IMPROVING WILDFIRE SAFETY MUST BE
AT THE CENTER OF OUR COMMUNITY PLANNING
Crest, Dehesa, Harbison Canyon and Granite Hills face a higher risk from wildfire than 96% of communities in California, according to the US Forest Service assessment. We are under constant and serious threat from wildfire. Improving our communities' resistance to wildfire must be the highest priority for revision and improvement of our community plan. Additional progress in improving wildfire safety can be made by working with civic/community groups, public and private landowners, and various government agencies with determination before the next fire threatens our area.
HOW CAN BETTER PLANNING IMPROVE WILDFIRE SAFETY? HERE ARE A FEW WAYS.
Recreational trails and open space can be part of a more aggressive strategy to increase the number and effectiveness of firebreaks throughout the area.
Special attention must be directed at reducing threats to homes near steep slopes, where fire will spread more quickly. Fuel reduction projects can directly reduce threats to homes, businesses and structures in the wildland urban interface area. |
Fire evacuation routes must be well marked and adequate to meet the threat. Conditions of fire access routes must be monitored and attention given to routes that become compromised through erosion.
Including risk-reducing features in development designs. Supporting and promoting agricultural use of lands that can serve as wildfire buffer. |
HOMEOWNERS AND LANDOWNERS CAN REDUCE WILDFIRE RISK, TOO
Reducing risk in the Home Ignition Zone. The closer flames come to the home, the greater the risk of damage or destruction. Homeowners can take steps to reduce the risks of ignition near the home by removing dead material, creating horizontal and vertical spacing between plants, ensuring adequate space between trees and and the house, and more. Learn more
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Hardening the home. Steps can be taken to make the home itself more resistant to fire spread by flame or burning embers. Examples include the use of fire resistant siding, cleaning roofs and gutters of debris, avoiding the use of combustible lattice or other decorations near the home, installation of multi-pane or tempered glass windows, ensuring skylights are glass, and more.
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