Overview
Protecting Your Home From Wildfire

Do you live in or near wildland areas? In the wildland/urban interface, fire is a natural force that cannot always be stopped. Firefighters do not have the resources available to save every home; some homes are so closely surrounded by flammable vegetation that they cannot be saved. You must take responsibility to reduce fuels that could carry a wildfire to your home.

Create a Defensible Space

• Remove all trees and large shrubs within 20 feet of the home.
• To a distance of 100 feet (200 feet on steep lots), remove some trees and shrubs to create 10 feet of space between adjoining tree's outermost branches. Prune lower branches of remaining trees up to 10 feet off the ground.
• Remove ladder fuels, young trees and shrubs planted close to larger trees that could carry a ground fire into the tops of large trees.

  Minimize Flammable Debris
  

• Keep roofs and rain gutters free of needles, leaves, and other flammable material.
• Keep firewood and other flammable debris a minimum of 50 feet from the house, preferably on the uphill side.
• Mow grasses to a height of less than 6 inches within 50 feet of the home.

  Use Fire Resistant Construction and Landscaping
  

• Wood shake shingle roofs are highly flammable. Convert roof to Class A fire resistant materials such as fiberglass-asphalt, metal and tile.
• Construct decks and siding with non-combustible materials.
• Screen openings under decks and attic and foundation vents.
• Check with local nurseries to learn about fire resistant landscaping.
• Call your local State Forestry office for more information.

  If a Wildfire is Burning Near Your Home
  

• Stay calm. Call 911 to report a fire.
• Cover all eave and roof vents.
• Cover large picture windows with plywood.
• Close all windows and doors; open drapes.
• Evacuate to a safe location
• Fire Wise Plant Materials (for wildland urban interface areas) .pdf
• Grass Seed Mixes to Reduce Wildfire Hazard.pdf
• Defensible space guidelines
• NM Fire Resistant Plants
  

  More information can be found at FireWise, a resource of many proportions. How to make defensible space around your home. Rate your home chances of surviving a wildland fire. Interactive items, publications, other links. Brought to the Internet by The National Wildland/Urban Interface Fire Protection Program.