
Homeowners Have A Large Role In Protecting Their Own Properties From Wildfire
Listen
We’ve seen more wildfires burning into urban communities lately. But there’s a lot homeowners can do to protect themselves, according to top scientists at the Missoula Fire Sciences Lab.
It’s the embers floating on the wind from a large fire that property owners have to watch out for, according to Jack Cohen, a retired scientist and expert in how wildfires destroy urban neighborhoods. Wood-sided houses with asphalt shingles are generally OK, if they’re prepared, he said.
But some of the biggest problems homeowners typically neglect?
“They need to get rid of all the flammable material, the debris on their roof and out of their gutters. They need to get rid of any flammable material, within five feet of the base of their structure.”
Cohen said homeowners also should watch out for anything leaning against the house that might act as a fire start — like a broom. And get charcoal briquettes, lighter fluid, firewood, furniture cushions and other potentially flammable items away from the house.
Note: This story was possible through a fellowship with the Institute For Journalism & Natural Resources.
Copyright 2018 Northwest News Network
Related Stories:

Western organizations push back on lawsuit seeking to restrict aerial fire retardant use
The use of aerial fire retardant to fight wildfires could be further restricted to protect the environment.
A handful of groups from western states filed a motion last week to intervene in a lawsuit brought by an Oregon environmental group against the U.S. Forest Service for inadvertently dumping fire retardant into streams.
Continue Reading Western organizations push back on lawsuit seeking to restrict aerial fire retardant use

Federal government allocates over $6 billion to wildfire technology and management
Lawmakers are allocating over $6 billion this fiscal year to support the Department of the Interior and the United States Forest Service in wildfire response.
It’s an increase of 14% from the last year’s funding, and will support wildfire suppression, operations and a new research hub to aid fire management. This fiscal year, the forest service will see an increase of $576 million in available funding for wildfire response.
Continue Reading Federal government allocates over $6 billion to wildfire technology and management

October showers bring more containment to west side wildfires
We’re nearing the end of October, but crews across Washington state continue to battle fires. Continue Reading October showers bring more containment to west side wildfires