Wildfires are the most destructive natural disaster on earth. We’ve all seen pictures of wildfires that plague our neighboring states, burning debris and houses that stand in their path. That flash of orange flame begins as a spark and ends in a fire out of control. If you live in foothills, grasslands or mountains: you are at risk!Each year, thousands of wildfires burn across millions of acres of land, mostly west of the Mississippi River. In 2004, it cost nearly $890 million to fight these fires, according to the National Interagency Fire Center. Fires play a vital role in nature, helping revitalize forests and prairies by clearing out underbrush, dead trees and other debris.However, more and more people are moving into areas that were once considered remote, where wildfires now pose greater risk to homes and personal safety. In the past decade, NIFC indicates that annually, on average, more than 2,600 homes were damaged, more than 100,000 fires were reported and about 4 million acres burned.Although lightning often starts wildfires, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, people start four out of every five fires. In the past few years, new techniques have been developed to help combat these devastating fires.Controlled or prescribed fires are used in many places to remove the fuel that feeds a fire. Areas close to homes are given extra attention in an effort to keep the fire away from buildings. There are also things homeowners can do to help protect their property, possessions and family:
- Install fire detection and sprinkler systems inside your home.
- Create a “defensive space” of at least 30 feet by removing dry grass, brush, dead leaves and downed trees.
- Maintain an emergency water supply.
- Provide ready access to your home, and be sure your street name and house number are identifiable.
- Practice emergency preparedness in case you need to evacuate the area.
