living with fire; plumas firesafe council

Funding for this project provided by:Plumas County Board of Supervisors Plumas County Office of Emergency Services

US Forest Service — Plumas & Lassen National Forests — CAL FIREGraeagle Fire Protection District Gold Mountain Community Services District

For moreinformation visit

www.plumasfiresafe.orgPlumas County

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In conjunction with:EATHER PUBLISHING CO., INC.(530) 283-0800

P.O. BOX B, QUINCY, CA 95971

CommunityServicesDistrict

Living withfire

A Guide for the HomeownerA Guide for the HomeownerMoonlight Fire 2007 ~ Photo courtesy Ron Lunder

Hough Complex, Taylorsville 2013Photo courtesy Randy Ownings

• Living With Fire Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Greetings and welcome to the 2014 edition of Living with Fire. Wehope that the information provided in this special insert inspires you totake action, to get engaged with managing your property, to becomemore involved with your neighborhood and your community. Becauseof the incredibly dry winter that we are emerging from we face apotentially severe fire season. Our goal with this publication is toincrease your awareness of how to maintain your property in such away that improves the probability that your home will survive awildfire. We have provided many tips that can help you to prepare forthis fire season. Please use these resources and take the time toincorporate our information into your personal wildfire preparations.

There are many exciting partnerships underway in Plumas County inregards to forest management, disaster preparedness, and thedevelopment of new Firewise communities. Many organizations areworking together to find creative solutions to the wildfire threats thatwe face. Throughout this publication you will find examples of thecollaboration that is required in order for us to manage our forests inways that will allow for more frequent, less devastating wildfires in thefuture.

Join us as we work to make Plumas County a place that embracesdifficult challenges by working together.

Sincerely,

Nils Lunder,Coordinator, Plumas County Fire Safe Council

Living with FireTable of Contents

Page No.

2 Introduction, Home surviveability

3 Wildfire threats to your home,four zones diagram

4 Accecss zone diagram

5 Defensible Space

6 Built zone diagram

7 Hazardous Fuels Reduction programsin Plumas County

8 An introduction to the Firewise program

9 A first hand perspective oncommunity evacuations

10 Plumas County Evacuation Plan

11 Structure protection during a wildfireand fire safe landscaping

12-13 Six steps to creating an effectivedefensible space

14-15 Animal evacuation planning

16 Frequently asked Questions aboutDefensible Space

17 Burning yard debris

18 Local partnerships in action

19 Plumas County Office of Emergency Services

20 Information about the Plumas CountyFire Safe Council

Living With FireA Special Supplement created by the staff of

Feather Publishing Co., Inc.,and the Plumas County

Fire Safe Council

Contributors: Nils Lunder, Jerry Hurley,Mike De Lasaux, Chuck Bowman, Mike Callahan,

Sue McCourt, Shane Vargas,Jerry Sipe, Dan Martynn, Ryan Bauer, Darrel Jury.

Plumas County Fire Safe Council: www.plumasfiresafe.orgMichael C. Taborski, Publisher

Sherri McConnell, Advertising ManagerEva Small, Graphics Dept.

Tom Forney, Production Manager

Feather Publishing:P.O. Box B, 287 Lawrence St., Quincy, CA 95971

(530) 283-0800 • FAX (530) 283-3952email: [email protected] J’s Got You Covered

Is your home fire safe?Brush Cutters • String TrimmersLawn Mowers • Weed Whackers

55 Delleker Dr., Portola

832-5462

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Wednesday, June 11, 2014 Living With Fire •

What can homeowners & communities do to reduce wildfire threat?The Living With Wildfire threat reduction recommendations are presented according to four zones….

Defensible Space ZoneThis zone pertains to thevegetation surrounding your home,both ornamental and landscapeplants and native plants.

Access ZoneThis zone providessuggestions thathelp emergencyresponders locateyour home in atimely manner.

Community ZoneThis zone is outside and between the DefensibleSpace Zones. Efforts are to minimize fire damage onundeveloped areas which include vacant lots,common areas, green belts, and undeveloped lands.

Wildfire will threaten your house in three ways...

CONTACT BY FLAMESThis type of threat occurs when vegetationand other fuels burning near the houseproduce flames that come in contact with thehome and ignite it. Often, it happens whenfire burns through a uniform layer ofvegetation right up to the house. Directcontact by flames is probably what mosthomeowners visualize when they think of ahouse burning during wildfire.

RADIATED HEATRadiated heat melted the vinyl siding on thishouse. Flames never came in contact with it.Radiated heat is produced by invisibleelectromagnetic waves that travel out in alldirections from a flame. When a housereceives enough radiated heat for sufficienttime, it will ignite. Sometimes radiated heatcan burst windows and allow burning embersto enter the house.

FLYING EMBERSMore houses burn due to flying embers thanany other reason. If fire conditions are right,embers can be lofted high into the air andtransported more than a mile. Burning emberscan also be carried by wind and fire whirls. Ifthese burning embers land in easily ignitablematerials, a new fire can start.

"It is not where your home is located that necessarily determines the ignition risk. It's howignitable the house is as determined by the Home Ignition Zone"

Jack Cohen, USFS Fire Researcher

Built ZoneThis zone providesrecommendations forhome construction.

Photo courtesy David McNew/Getty Images Photo courtesy Ken Walgren


Cal-Sierra Title CompanyLocally owned and operated since 1962

Quincy295 Main St, PO Box 238

Quincy, CA 95971(530) 283-0700; FAX 283-1438

Susanville608 Court St., PO Box 1754

Susanville, CA 96130(530)257-8866; FAX 257-8846

Chester289 Main St, #3, PO Box 1141

Chester, CA 96020(530) 258-0700; FAX 258-2757

Graeagle7597 Hwy. 89 #5, PO Box 424

Graeagle, CA 96103(530) 836-0700; FAX 836-1415

Access ZoneThis zone provides suggestions that help emergency responderslocate your home in a timely manner and to provide emergencyequipment and personnel SAFE access to structures, whileallowing residents to concurrently evacuate SAFELY.

Address: The home addressshould be visible from the street,made of reflective, non-combustiblematerial with characters at least 3inches high.

Turnarounds: Homes located atthe end of long driveways or dead-endroads should have turnaround areassuitable for large fire equipment.Turnarounds can be a cul-de-sac with atleast a 45-foot radius or a location suitablefor a three-point turn.

Turnouts: Homes locatedalong long narrow dead end streetsand driveways over 800 feet shouldhave turnouts every 400 feet thatwill allow two-way traffic.

Street Signs: Street signs should beposted at each intersection leading to yourhome. Sign characters should be at least 3inches high, reflective, and non-combustible.

Driveway Clearance:Remove vegetation from both sides ofthe driveway, extending at least 10feet and at least a 15-foot verticalclearance above driveway.


Why 100 Feet?Following these simple steps candramatically increase the chance ofyour home surviving a wildfire!A Defensible Space of 100 feetaround your home is required by law.The goal is to protect your home whileproviding a safe area for firefighters.

DefensibleSpace

increases thesafety of firesuppression

personnel

Every year firefighters arekilled while fightingwildfires. This includesdeaths associated withand protecting homes andcommunities.“Defensible Space”around homes is provento save lives by providingfirefighters a more securearea in which to workwhile protectingstructures.Structures that haveinadequate defensiblespace or limited accesswill commonly not beprotected firefighters.This is due to the fact thatthese types of propertiespose a risk to their safetyand they have a higherlikelihood that theirsuppression efforts willbe unsuccessful.A fuel reduction projectwill modify fire behavior.Fuel reduction projectsalong roadsides help keepevacuation routes open,this improves publicsafety. Treated roadsidesimprove citizenevacuation and allowsafer access foremergency respondersentering the community.

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– Clearing an area of 30 feetimmediately surrounding your home iscritical. This area requires the greatestreduction in flammable vegetation.

– The fuel reduction zone in theremaining 70 feet (or to property line)will depend on the steepness of yourproperty and the vegetation.

Spacing between plants improves thechance of stopping a wildfire before itdestroys your home. You have twooptions in this area:

Create horizontal and verticalspacing between plants. The amount ofspace will depend on how steep theslope is and the size of the plants.

Large trees do not have to be cutand removed as long as all of theplants beneath them are removed. Thiseliminates a vertical “fire ladder.”When clearing vegetation, use carewhen operating equipment such aslawnmowers. One small spark may starta fire; a string trimmer is much safer.Remove all build–up of needles andleaves from your roof and gutters. Keeptree limbs trimmed at least 10 feet fromany chimneys and remove dead limbsthat hang over your home or garage.The law also requires a screen overyour chimney outlet of not more than½ inch mesh.1. These regulations affect most of the grass, brush,and timber-covered private lands in the State. Somefire department jurisdictions may have additionalrequirements. Some activities may require permits fortree removal. Also, some activities may require specialprocedures for, 1) threatened and endangered species,2) avoiding erosion, and 3) protection of water quality.Check with local officials if in doubt. Currentregulations allow an insurance company to requireadditional clearance. The area to be treated does notextend beyond your property. The State Board ofForestry and Fire Protection has approved Guidelines toassist you in complying with the new law. Contact yourlocal CAL FIRE office for more details.

July 2007

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Embers created from torching trees and burning structures cause most homes to ignite.Most houses are burned by embers:

• igniting uncleared vegetation next to the house • landing on shake roofs• igniting firewood next to the house • igniting vegetation under decks• igniting combustible materials on decks• • blowing into unscreened attic/crawl space ventsBE

EMBERAWARE!

Roof: Class A/fire-resistant.Keep free of needles, leavesand branches.

Eaves: Heat traps forhot air and gases. “Box in”to allow heat to escape.

Foundation & Attic Vents:Unscreened vents allowembers into the structure.

Siding: In fire-prone areas usenon-combustible siding, such as stucco,brick or cement board.

Windows: Install windows that aredouble-pane with at least one pane oftempered glass.

Firewood: Not stored next tothe house. Keep at least 30’from house.

Chimneys: Screened with1/8 inch wire mesh orapproved spark arrestor.

DURING THE FIRE AFTER THE FIRE

Home Survivability — Who Wins and Who Loses...Why do some houses survive a wildfire, while others are destroyed? Evidence suggests that house survival duringa wildfire is not a completely random phenomenon. Rather, survivability is determined by house constructionmaterials and techniques, the characteristics of the vegetation surrounding the home, and routine maintenancedone by the homeowner.

There are many things that you, the homeowner, can do to ensure that your home is fire safe. Pre-fire actionscompleted by the resident, often determine the survivability of structures. The “winners” will be those people whoimplement and maintain pre-fire activities. The homeowner has the largest role in determining whether on not astructure burns in a wildfire.

HUMAN BEHAVIOR IS JUST AS IMPORTANT AS FIRE BEHAVIOR IN SAVING YOUR HOME

Photos courtesy of CAL FIRE: www.fire.ca.gov


SPI believes in wise use of OUR forests.Fire safety is our concern; please make it yours also.Healthy, productive forests are safe forests.

FORESTS ARE AMERICA’S#1 RENEWABLE RESOURCE

SIERRA PACIFIC INDUSTRIESQuincy

“Taking pride in everything we do.”

Hazardous Fuel Reduction (HFR) workin the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI):

Options for landowners for fuels treatmentsin Plumas County

Photo provided by Dan Martynn, NRCS

Owning private forest land is a big commitment. The workrequired to maintain property can be a daunting task. An evenlarger challenge presents itself if landowners are working to gettheir property into a fire resilient condition after decades ofdeferred maintenance. Do not despair; there are numerousresources available to landowners in Plumas County who take theinitiative to begin the process of managing their property.

The Plumas County Fire Safe Council (PC FSC) has beenhelping willing landowners to reduce hazardous fuels on theirproperties for over 12 years. During that time we have helped 20communities reduce their hazardous fuels by obtaining fundingthat has facilitated the treatment of 3,500 acres of private land.We are just finishing a project along LaPort Road, we will betreating approximately 70 acres around the Indian Valley thissummer and we are planning projects along Highway 70 outside ofQuincy, along C-Road and near Whitehawk.

Our voluntary program provides treatment to private forest landsthat have high density vegetation that will allow ground fires toenter the forest canopy. The mission of the PC FSC is "To reducethe loss of natural and human made resources caused by wildfire

through Firewise community programs and pre-fire activities."We rely on community members to work with their friends andneighbors to apply to our program. Once we have sufficientparticipants to make the project feasible for contractors (usuallyaround 100 acres) then we seek funding from a variety of sourcesto secure the funds necessary to treat the lands within the project.The entire process can take several years to go from the planningprocess to implementation, but we are confident that our programis providing a strong benefit for the communities that we serve.The most important outcome is that residents become educated onhow to manage their property in a way that reduces the potentialof a high intensity wildfire destroying their home and degradingwildlife habitat, watershed value or aesthetics. For moreinformation on the PC FSC, please see their website:http://plumasfiresafe.org/ .

The USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) isanother resource for private forest land owners in our region.They invite all private forest landowners in Plumas and SierraCounties who are concerned about the threat of wildfire orgeneral forest health of their property, to sign-up for theirEnvironmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). EQUIP canprovide funding for landowners to remove brush and smalldiameter trees (<9” diameter at breast height), hand pile and burnslash, or improve wildlife habitat and general forest health. EQIPis a competitive process where landowners develop a ConservationPlan for their property with the assistance of the local NRCSoffice. After the plan has been developed, then that Plan is rankedusing State criteria and the highest ranked projects are selectedfor funding.

Over the last 5 years the local NRCS office in Quincy has assisted30 different landowners throughout the Feather River watershedwith forestry related projects that has brought in over $750,000 toassist landowners. They would like to reach out to those peoplewho may not be familiar with NRCS or the variety ofConservation Programs they offer private landowners.

“My job is to help people, help the land” says Dan Martynn,District Conservationist for the local NRCS Partnership Office inQuincy. Anyone interested in learning more about one of theirPrograms or who would like to arrange a visit to exploreConservation opportunities on their property should contact DanMartynn at 530-283-7511 or [email protected]. The USDA-NRCS Local Partnership Office in Quincy is housed within theSupervisor’s Office of the Plumas National Forest.


Firewise Communities/USAWhat is Firewise?Citizen involvement is the cornerstone ofFirewise Communities/USA RecognitionProgram. As a resident whose home is locatedin a region susceptible to wildfires, thisprogram can help your community becomeFirewise.

As participants in the program, you and yourneighbors will learn how to decrease the risk oflosing your homes and to best protectyourselves in the event of a wildfire. Withinwildland/urban intermix areas, firefighters lackthe resources to defend every home that isthreatened during extreme wildfires. However,communities whose residents take steps toreduce their vulnerability have a greater chanceor surviving a wildfire.

Firewise Communities/USA offers residents infire prone areas a unique opportunity toimplement Firewise practices specially tailoredto individual and community needs. You andyour neighbors will gain useful knowledge andskills to prepare for a wildfire before it occurs,while also helping you maintain an acceptablelevel of fire readiness. Firewise homes andcommunities allow firefighters to concentrateon fighting the wildfire, which ultimately savesmore homes and lives. What’s more, even a fewpreventative actions can prove critical, becausewhen adequately prepared, homes have oftensurvived a wildfire without the intervention ofthe fire department.

Firewise Communities/USA provides up-to-date information for homeowners andcommunities to help prepare for wildfiresbefore they start. Residents who participate inthe Firewise process create an action plan thatcommits them to a sustained program ofwildfire mitigation, which is generally bothphysically doable and cost-effective. Ultimately,by creating your own plan, you’ll be able todevelop unique solutions to your wildfiremitigation challenges.

Benefits of being a Firewise Community

1. Framework for ActionMeeting the criteria for becoming a FirewiseCommunities/USA site helps communities getorganized and find direction for their wildfiresafety efforts. Like the first rungs on a ladder,the criteria help get a community startedtoward annual, systematic action to reducetheir risks from brush, grass and forest fires.

2. Learning About WildfireAs people go through the Firewise process, theylearn about wildfire risks in the communityand the simple things they can do to reducethem. They connect with experts – local firefighters, state forestry professionals, andnational researchers – to continue to learnabout fire and find resources to accomplishFirewise actions.

3. Peace of MindPeople who work with experts to learn aboutwildfire and take action start to see resultsquickly. Knowing that they are using the bestinformation available and actually taking stepsto reduce the risk of damage from fire helpspeople start to feel safer in their environmentand in their homes. Having a plan for what todo in the event of a fire helps people becomecalmer and more prepared to act quickly.

4. Community-BuildingAs neighbors get together to do Firewise work,often meeting one another for the first time,they build a stronger bond with each other.Firewise activity can help rally people to acommon cause for the good of theneighborhood. This strengthening ofcommunity ties can benefit residents in manyways, and is especially helpful during anemergency.

5. Citizen PrideWhile Firewise work can be fun, it isn’t alwayseasy. Neighbors work very hard in Firewisecommunities to remove brush and debris, cleanup common areas, and dispose of green waste.

They are rightly proud when they achievenational recognition for their efforts.

6. PublicityThe national Firewise program providescommunities with metal signs, a plaque andother materials that can be presented publiclyto honor their status as a FirewiseCommunities/USA recognition site. Theserecognition ceremonies are great ways to shinethe spotlight on community efforts and toreach large numbers of people withinformation about wildfire safety.

7. Access to Funding and AssistancePreference is sometimes given to FirewiseCommunities/USA sites over other candidateswhen allocations of grant money are made forwildfire safety or fuel mitigation. The reason isthat there are invariably more requests thanavailable funds when grants are availablethrough state or federal agencies. If requests areequally worthy, some officials tend to havemore confidence in communities that havedemonstrated the foresight of becoming arecognized Firewise Communities/USA site.

Firewise Communities/USA Activity inPlumas CountyThree communities in Plumas County haveFirewise Communities/USA recognition; LakeAlmanor West, Gold Mountain, and TheGraeagle Fire Protection District. LakeAlmanor Country Club is currently seekingcertification.

How to become a Firewise CommunityFor additional information on how yourcommunity can become one, contact yourCounty Fire Safe Council, CAL FIRE orFirewise Communities/USA. Go towww.firewise.org, or www.plumasfiresafe.orgfor additional information.


Preparing for EvacuationA First Person Perspective

The 2012 Chips Fire made the matter ofemergency evacuation an up close and personalexperience for a number of Plumas Countyresidents. Evacuation preparation is no longerjust a vague concept that applies to other peoplein other places. It’s something that any of us canface during any given year, and after facing it withthe Chips Fire, there may be some value insharing a few lessons learned.

Lesson #1: Start early — WAY early!If you wait until the emergency arrives to put

together an evacuation checklist or prepare yourhome, you are too late. These actions should bedone when things are calm and you have plenty oftime to thoughtfully address the need. We’ve hada basic evacuation checklist in the drawer for overa dozen years. It gets updated periodically toreflect changes in our situation and then goesback into the drawer for use if needed. Similarly,we strive to constantly maintain defensible spacearound the house, attempting to achieve a highlevel of ember resistance and fire tolerance.Frankly, it doesn’t take a roaring wildland fire topose an ember threat to our residences; all that isrequired is a few glowing embers from a nearbystructure fire or a debris burn.

Lesson #2: Make it ultra-clean when fireapproaches.Most of us have combustible materials on our

decks or right next to our homes. Things like clothumbrellas, fiber door mats, gas cans for powertools, propane bottles for barbeques, decorativeflags or hangings, etc. It’s also pretty common tohave conifer needles gradually accumulate on thesurface right next to structures, and sometimeswe’ll find that we’ve ignored that dead grass orvegetation next to or underneath structures.These are all ignition sources. The vegetationshould be cleaned up and the needles raked awayfrom structures on a regular basis. The otheritems can be left in place until a fire isapproaching, at which point they need to berelocated. Try to remove every potential item thatwind-blown embers could ignite.

Lesson #3: Reduce ember penetrationopportunities.The word “ember” can include anything from

branch-size firebrands down to very small glowing

particles. The smaller ones can blow insidehomes through open windows, open garage doorsor poorly screened vent openings. Keep yourdoors and windows closed when fire approaches(including the doors and windows of vehiclesparked outside). Make sure that your crawl spaceand attic vents are properly screened at all times.When faced with an inbound fire, consider usingvent blocks or aluminum foil to completely coverthe vent openings even if they are screened.

Lesson #4: Learn the evacuation jargon.If you’ve never been through this before, the

very word “evacuation” can cause a state of panic.However, there are several stages of the processthat usually apply — unless the emergency ismoving very rapidly. Typically, the first stage is an“Advisement”; this is when the Plumas CountySheriff’s Office lets people know that their area isin the path of a problem and that an evacuationnotice could be declared on very short notice.Advisement is basically a “get ready” notification.The next level is a “Voluntary Evacuation”

notice. This means that it is highly recommendedthat you leave because the threat is now fairlyclose. During a Voluntary Evacuation residents ofthe affected area can come and go (relocatingpossessions, for example), but nonresidents willnot be allowed into the area.The final level is a “Mandatory Evacuation.” At

this point, the threat is very near and the Sheriffwants everybody out so that emergencyresponders can concentrate on dealing with thethreat without having to worry about residents.Legally, you cannot be removed from yourresidence, but if you choose to stay during aMandatory Evacuation you are strictly on yourown. If you leave, you will not be allowed toreturn until after the evacuation is lifted.

Lesson #5: Assemble your evacuationstuff early.If it appears that an Advisement notice might be

issued for your area, start assembling the items onyour evacuation list in one place in your home (theguest bedroom, for example). Gather things upand get them packaged so that it will be easy toload them in vehicles if the time comes to depart.While you are at it, make sure that you’ve got adestination in mind if you have to leave, such as arelative or friend outside the danger zone.

Lesson #6: Prepare the yard for a fight.After you’ve cleaned up the deck and yard,

there is one final outdoor preparation step youshould take. Give yourself and firefighters anadvantage by assembling some important toolsaround the house. Hook up your garden hoses tothe faucets and lay the hoses out in the yardwhere they can be quickly used to put out possibleembers. If you have some empty buckets, fillthem with water and place them around theexterior or on the deck. A ladder propped upagainst the house would assist firefighters needingto get onto your roof to extinguish a fire. Likewise,if you have a heavy hoe, rake or shovel, leavethem propped against the exterior for a quick grab.Remember that you may be the one actually usingthese items to cope with an ember shower, so besure that you have long sleeved, fire resistantclothing available along with heavy boots, aprotective hat, gloves and some eye protection.

Now for the anti-climax. During the Chips Firewe never got beyond the Advisement stage. Wewere ready, with one vehicle packed withirreplaceable items and a safe location identifiedfor it. But thankfully we never received anEvacuation notice. Our plan, if a VoluntaryEvacuation notice was issued, was to move theone loaded vehicle to its safe location and thenreturn home. We would have our dogs and thefinal few things ready to move if the situationdeteriorated. And if we evacuated we had to bementally prepared for the possibility that therewouldn’t be anything left when we returned.Happily, it didn’t come to that. The Chips Fire wasstopped by some extraordinary actions on the partof the firefighting team before that next stage wasreached. So we unpacked.

Each spring we’re out raking up needles andtwigs again, disposing of the litter that arrived overthe winter and preparing for another fire season.We’ve also gotten into the habit of pulling out theevacuation checklist to see if anything needsrevising. These aren’t large tasks, but they areimportant.

Dale KnutsenFormer Chair, Almanor Basin Fire Safe Council28 March 2014


Property AccessFirefighters can find my house. My address is posted with reflective andcontrasting 3-inch numbers at the road access.

A fire engine can drive to my house. The driveway and access roads are free ofobstructions; at least 12 feet wide and with a 14-foot overhead clearance.

A fire engine can turn around on my property/street.

Vegetation Around My Home—Defensible Space

Dry grass, needles, leaves and brush are 30 feet away from structure(s).

My property has a 100-foot zone of reduced fuel continuity.

Firewood is stacked away 30 feet from structure(s).

Trees around structure(s) have been cleared of ladder fuels and limbed up 10feet.

Fuel is reduced at least 100 feet from structure(s) or to the property line.

Tree limbs are at least 10 feet from chimney/ stovepipe.

Dry grass and brush is cleared 10 feet around and under the propane tank(s).

Wood RoofReplace wood shake and shingle roofs withfire-resistant types such as composition,metal and tile.Roof OpeningsPlug openings in roof coverings, such as theopen ends of barrel tiles, with non-com-bustible materials.Roof DebrisRoutinely remove plant debris, such as pineneedles, leaves, branches and bark, fromthe roof.SkylightsReplace plastic skylights with types con-structed of double-pane glass. One of thepanes should be tempered glass. Close sky-lights if wildfire is threatening.Spark ArresterInstall an approved spark arrester on chim-neys.WindowsReplace single-pane, non-tempered glasswindows with multiple-pane, tempered-glasstypes. Close all windows if wildfire is threat-ening.VentsCover attic, eave and foundation vents with1/8-inch wire mesh or install new vent typesdesigned to prevent ember entry. If wildfireis threatening, consider covering vent open-ings with pre-cut plywood or aluminum foilfolded several layers thick and stapled.Rain GuttersKeep rain gutters free of plant debris duringfire season. Consider using rain gutter cov-ers to reduce maintenance.

SidingFill gaps in siding and trim materials with agood quality caulk and replace poor condi-tion building materials.WoodpilesMove firewood stacks and scrap lumberpiles at least 30 feet from the house or otherbuildings.Patio FurniturePlace combustible patio furniture, such aslounges, tables and hammocks, inside thehouse or garage if wildfire is threatening.Deck BoardsReplace deck boards that are less than oneinch thick or that are in poor condition withthicker, good condition boards. Use metalflashing between the deck and the house.Deck DebrisRemove plant debris from the gaps betweendeck boards, the gap between the deck andhouse, and lying on top of the deck.Porch and Deck AccessoriesIf wildfire is threatening, remove combustiblematerials from the porch and deck includingnewspapers, wicker baskets, door mats,pine cones and dried flower arrangements,and place BBQ propane tanks indoors.Under the DeckRemove plant debris, wood piles and othereasily ignited materials from under decks.Consider enclosing the open sides of thedeck with siding materials that are properlyvented or 1/8-inch wire mesh to reducemaintenance and deter ember entry. Do notuse wooden lattice to enclose decks.

FlowerboxesRemove wooden flowerboxes from beneathwindows if wildfire is threatening.EavesCover open eaves with sheathing, such asplywood or fiber-cement board. Use tongueand groove joints or other intricate jointtypes and don’t use butt joints.FlowerbedsReplace wood mulches with noncombustibletypes and remove plant debris, includingdried grass and flowers, dead leaves anddead branches from flowerbeds next to thehouse, other buildings and next to woodenfences. Replace ornamental junipers withlow-growing deciduous shrubs or flowersunder irrigation.VehiclesClose vehicle windows. Back into the garageand close thegarage door or park away from the house.Garage DoorAdjust garage doors to achieve as tight a fitas possible with the door frame. Considerusing trim around the garage door openingto reduce the size of gap openings. Closethe garage door if wildfire is threatening.Garbage Cans and Recycling BinsUse garbage cans covered with tight fittinglids near the house or other buildings. Movenewspaper recycling bins indoors.Wooden FencesMaintain wooden fences in good conditionand create a noncombustible fence sectionor gate next to the house for at least fivefeet.

Notice of evacuation doesn’talways give you time to gatherneeded essentials.Plan ahead and place them in

one or more easy to carrycontainers, keep your “go” bagitems in a location where you caneasily grab them.Develop your own personalized

list to meet your specific needs.

The following is a list ofsuggested items:

• Cell phone and charger• Laptop computer• Two-way radios• Internet passwords• Driver’s licenses• Extra set of car keys andhouse keys

• Prescription medications andmedical history

• Baby supplies (bottles, formula,baby food, diapers)

• Medical supplies (hearing aidswith extra batteries, glasses,contact lenses, syringes, cane)

• Specialized needs for thedisabled and elderly. Caregiversneed to develop lists to meetthe specific needs for theseindividuals.

• Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID,food, medications, pet carrier,bowl)

• Social Security cards/passport• Credit cards• House deed• Vehicle titles• Marriage license

• Birth Certificates• Insurance policies• Home inventory list/photos• Health insurance cards• Important personal computerinformation downloaded to disk

• Address book• Flashlight• Extra cash• Valuable jewelry• Photographs• Home videos / DVDs• Items with sentimental value• One week’s worth of clothing• Games and activities forchildren

© 2013 FireSafeHelp.comContact www.FireSafeHelp.com toorder an evacuation plan and map foryour community

Take responsibility for your homeMake your home a safe and inviting environment for firefighters to work.

Ember awareness checklist

(Used with permission of University of Nevada Cooperative Extension from its publication, Be Ember Aware! FS-09-05

While in a Vehicle:Stay calm.Park your vehicle in an area clear of vegetation.Do not park on inside curves.Close all vehicle windows and vents.Cover yourself with a wool or cotton blanket orjacket.Lie on the vehicle’s floor.Alert officials by calling 911 from your cell phone.

While inYour Home:Stay calm; keep your family together.Call 911 and alert authorities of your location.Fill sinks and tubs with cold water.Keep doors and windows closed, but unlocked.Stay inside your home.

Returning home after a wildfire:Do not return to your home until fire officialsdetermine it is safe. When you do return home:Be alert for downed power lines and otherhazards.Check propane tanks, regulators and linesbefore turning the gas on.Check your residence carefully for hiddenembers or smoldering fires.

Evacuation advisories to be prepared for:The Plumas County Sheriff is responsible for allevacuation orders. You will be notified by firepersonnel or Law Enforcement (Sheriff and CHP).Evacuation advisories may stay in effect for severaldays. After the threat is mitigated, access may belimited to residents with identification.

Sheriff’s Evacuation Advisement: Residents areencouraged to make evacuation preparations.Sheriff’s Voluntary Evacuation: Residents areencouraged to leave the area. Roads will have a“Soft Closure” allowing only residents in to the area.General public will not be allowed.Sheriff’s Mandatory Evacuation: Residents are inimminent danger or the potential for imminentdanger exists. Roads will have “Hard Closures.”

Highways may be closed with the only access forfirefighter and Law Enforcement safety. Residentsand the public will be prohibited from free access.Shelter in Place: Advises people to stay secure attheir current location by remaining in place asevacuation will cause a higher potential for loss oflife.

Travel advisories if evacuated:• Drive with headlights on.• Be alert for downed power lines and emergencypersonnel.• Watch for rocks and other roadway hazards.• DO NOT PANIC.

Evacuees may be advised of safe zones andrelief centers by emergency personnel.

Evacuation “go” list. What will you take?

If a wildfire approaches, take these steps:Get your “go” bag and important documents and place these items in your vehicle.Park your vehicle facing outward; carry your vehicle keys with you.Locate your pets and livestock and keep them nearby.Place connected garden hoses and buckets full of water around the outside of the house.Remove all flammables such as firewood and lawn furniture from your deck.Move propane BBQ appliances away from structures; turn off propane tanks.Cover up. Wear long pants, long sleeve shirt, heavy shoes/boots, a cap and have a dry bandannafor a face cover or use goggles or glasses. Clothing which is wool or 100% cotton is best.Leave lights on inside and outside house.Leave windows and doors closed; turn air conditioning off.Place ladder outside for roof access.

If you become trapped by a quickly-approaching wildfire:

Important considerations before awildfire event:• In the event of a wildfire evacuation, what isthe meeting place for your family?

• During a wildfire, where will you take youranimals?

For more information, go to:www.PlumasFireSafe.org orwww.ReadyForWildfire.org


What are the first things the firefighter looks at todetermine if a home should be defended from anapproaching wildfire, can we defend it, or will itprobably survive without protection? Decidingwhich homes can be saved and which can’t is oftena very rapid process.

“Access, access, access…if I can’t see it, we can’tprotect it,” said an experienced firefighter fromNorthern California.

If safe ingress and egress is available into thestructure, then – if time allows – a quick walk-around is conducted to determine if it is defensible.The walk-around takes several items intoconsideration including the building construction –roof type, siding, what will burn when fire embersland, surrounding buildings, combustible debris,hazards; and, especially defensible space — isthere any and will it provide clearance so thefirefighters can work safely?

The majority of homes are burned because theyhave wood roofs and lack defensible space. Most

burn as a result of burning embers or firebrandswhich attack the house both before and after thefire front has passed.

When considering a structure’s susceptibility to awildfire, firefighters look at the roof to see if it is made ofcombustible materials, such as untreated wood shakesor if it is non-combustible, such as metal, composition, ortile. They look for unscreened vents, large windows,and firewood stacked next to the house, that can beeasy entry paths for heat and flying embers.Firefighters also consider the topography, watersources, current and expected fire behavior,available firefighting resources and, of course, thesafety of their crews.

Topographical features such as steep slopes ordrainages and dangerous fuel types are part of theequation. Decks built out over slopes present aneasy place for firebrands to become trapped andcause ignition. Firefighters look for decks andother extensions from the main structures that havebeen enclosed with fire-resistant materials.

Structure triage will quickly lead to a decision todefend or abandon a structure.

Every structure will fall into one of these threecategories:Needs little or no attention: Construction anddefensible space sufficient enough to allow thestructure to survive on its own or with a littleassistance.Needs protection but is savable: Constructedand maintained fire-safe with defensible space andwhere the firefighters are reasonably safe.Undefendable: The fire will destroy the structureno matter what is done and may place firefightersat great risk.

Now is the time to contact your local fire authorityand request a “pre-fire inspection.” Better now thenwhen the fire is knocking at your door this summer.

Excerpts from Wildfire Magazine atwildfiremag.com

Structure triage in a wildfire situation:

Defensible Space...What's your excuse?

“I don’t have the time or money”:If you live in a high fire hazard area, creatingdefensible space needs to be a high priority useof your spare time. Many defensible spaceactivities require little or no money to implement.For bigger, more expensive community tasks,consider forming a Local Community Fire SafeCouncil for assistance in acquiring grant funds.

“It’s wrong to cut trees”:In many areas, pines, cedars and firs occur inunnaturally dense stands. Thinning of thesethick stands of trees not only reduces the firethreat, but often promotes forest health.

“It won’t look good”:There is a misconception that defensible spacehas to be ugly and barren to be effective.Through proper planning, a homeowner canhave both an attractive landscape and aneffective defensible space.“It’s not my responsibility”:The manner in which a house is built,characteristics of the adjacent vegetation,and maintenance often determinesurvivability during wildfire. The homeowner, notthe firefighter, is usually responsible for thesefactors.

“I don’t have an easy way to dispose of theunwanted vegetation”:Check to see if there is a free community

cleanup day in your area, ask your firedepartment if they have a fuels reductionchipping program, or join several otherneighbors and rent a chipper and trailer for aweekend.

“It’s not going to happen to me”:If you live near areas of dense brush and trees(extensive surface and ladder fuels),it is only a matter of time before theseareas burn.“It’s against the law to remove vegetation”:If there are regulations that prohibit the removalof vegetation necessary to create defensiblespace, contact your localfire official and ask for help in resolvingthe conflict.

“I’ve got insurance”:While insurance can rebuild a house, it cannotrecreate a home. Photo albums, heirlooms, andother memorabilia areoften irreplaceable.

“I don’t know what to do”:For more information about creating defensiblespace, go to www.livingwithfire.info or contactyour local firefighting agency or University ofCalifornia Cooperative Extension office.

Courtesy of Ed Smith, University of NevadaCooperative Education

Little green gas cansFirefighters often refer to ornamental junipers as “little

green gas cans.”“During a wildfire, embers can smolder undetected within

and underneath ornamental juniper shrubs,” explains EdSmith, natural resource specialist, University of NevadaCooperative Extension. “The junipers then ignite and burnintensely, often after firefighters have already left theproperty.”Smith says that planting junipers next to the house is

never a good idea, and that they should be kept at least 30feet away from the house. If you have junipers near yourhouse, Smith recommends replacing them with low-growingdeciduous shrubs, herbaceous flowers, rock mulches, orhard surfaces. Smith and colleague JoAnne Skelly, UNCECarson City/Storey County extension educator, recentlypublished, “Choosing the Right Plants for Northern Nevada’sHigh Fire Hazard Areas.” You can obtain a free copy of thisguide containing good plant choices for high fire hazardareas at your local University of Nevada CooperativeExtension office.To learn more about protecting your home from the threat

of wildfire, visit www.livingwithfire.info or contact Smith atUniversity of Nevada Cooperative Extension, 775-782-9960or email [email protected] With Fire is an interagency program coordinated byUniversity of Nevada Cooperative Extension.

Photo courtesyUniversity of NevadaReno CooperativeExtension

http://www.lassenfiresafecouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Lassen-Fire-Safe-Council-NECal-LandscapePlantGuide.pdf


Six Steps to Creating an Effective Defensible Space

Step TwoRemove dead vegetation:Within the recommended DefensibleSpace Zone, remove:• Dead and dying trees or recently fallen trees• Dead native and ornamental shrubs• Dead branches• Dried grass, weeds, and flowers• Dead leaves, needles, and twigs that arestill attached to plants, draped on liveplants, on the roof or in rain gutters or on theground• Remove surface litter to 3 inches or less.Surface litter consists of fallen leaves, needles,twigs, bark, cones, small branches etc.• Logs and stumps should be removed unlessthey are embedded in the soil, removenearby vegetation if an embedded log is left.• Standing trees (snags) may be kept forwildlife providing they don’t exceed one peracre or if it were to fall, would not reachbuildings/structures or land on roadways ordriveways.

The term “defensible space” refers to the area be-tween a house and an oncoming wildfire where thevegetation has been managed to reduce the wildfirethreat and allow firefighters to safely defend thehouse. In the event that firefighters are not available,defensible space also improves the likelihood of ahome surviving without assistance.

Step OneDetermine the two zones ofeffective defensible space:California Law (PRC 4291) requires 100 feet ofdefensible space and is broken into two zones:

1. Lean, Clean and Green Area:An area 30 feet immediately surroundingyour home where all flammable vegetation and any dead ordying plants should be removed. You may keep single treesor other vegetation that are trimmed of all dead foliage andare well pruned and maintained.

2. Reduced Fuel Area:An area from 30 feet to 100 feet from yourhome, or to your property line (whichever is less). Youshould remove all dead vegetationand decrease flammable brush and smalltrees so fire cannot spread throughvegetation or act as a fire ladder introducingfire to tree crowns

Step ThreeCreate a separation betweentrees and shrubs:Within the Defensible Space Zone, native trees andshrubs, such as Jeffrey pine, white fir andmanzanita should not occur in a dense stand.Dense stands of trees and shrubs pose a signficantwildfire threat. Thin dense tree and shrub stands tocreate more space between them. This will reducefire intensity, rate of fire spread and can create anacceptable working environment for firefighters.

Defensible space distance is measured fromthe base of the house, extending outward.

Flat togentlysloping0-20%

ModeratelySteep21-40%

Very Steep+40%

Shrubs2 timesthe heightof shrub

4 timesthe heightof shrub

6 timesthe heightof shrub

Trees 10 feet 20 Feet 30 Feet

Quincy61 Bradley St, Suite 4Quincy, CA 95971(530) 283-4250

Susanville2940 Riverside Dr., Suite B

Susanville, CA 96130(530 )257-4161

CChhiiccaaggoo TTiittllee CCoommppaannyy

www.ctic.com

Getting a Refi, 2nd Mortgage, Home Equity Loan or Purchase?CTC encourages you to be FIRE SAFE!

Strength, Expertise, Service and Peace of Mind

Sagebrush, other Shrubs,Pinyon and Juniper:On flat to gently sloping terrain, individualshrubs or small clumps of shrubs within theDefensible Space Zone should be separatedfrom one another by at least twice the heightof the average shrub. For homes located onsteeper slopes, the separation distance shouldbe greater. For example, if the typical shrubheight is 2 feet, then there should be aseparation between shrub branches of at least4 feet. Remove shrubs or prune to reducetheir height and/or diameter. In mostinstances, removing big sagebrush is thepreferred approach. It is a very flammableplant, is easily removed, does not resprout,and is typically abundant. Grasses should notexceed four inches in height unless specialcircumstances exist.

Pine and White Fir:On flat to gently slopingterrain, pine and white fir should be thinned toprovide an average separation betweencanopies of at least 10 feet on flat to gentlysloping land. For homes located on steeperslopes, the separation distance should begreater, see table. When selecting trees forremoval, consider cutting unhealthy, damaged,or weak trees.

DEFENSIBLE SPACE ZONES

NEIGHBORINGPROPERTY

10 feet

ZONE 1

ZONE 2100 feet

30 feet


Step FourCreate a separation betweentree branches and lowergrowing plants:If trees are present within the Defensible

Space Zone, there should be a separationbetween the lower growing vegetation and thelowest tree branches. Vegetation that can carrya fire burning in low growing plants to tallerplants is called “ladder fuel.” Therecommended separation for ladder fuels isthree times the height of the lower vegetationlayer. Prune the lower tree branches, shortenthe height of shrubs, or remove lower plants.Do not, however, remove more than one-thirdof the total tree branches. When there is nounderstory vegetation present, remove lowertree branches to a height of at least 2 feetabove ground. During a fire, this will helpprevent burning needles and twigs that arelying on the ground from igniting the tree.

Defensible space within acontinuous tree canopy:If keeping a larger stand of trees with continu-ous tree canopy:• Prune lower branches of trees to a height ofsix to 15 feet from the top of the vegetationoccurring below (or lower 1/3 of branches forsmall trees). Properties with greater firepotential (steep slopes) will require pruningheights in the upper end of this range.• Remove all ground fuels greater than fourinches in height. Single specimens of trees orother vegetation may be kept if they arewellspaced, well-pruned and create an overallcondition that avoids the spread of fire toother vegetation or to structures.

Step FiveCreate a Lean, Clean, andGreen Area extending at least30 feet from the house:There are two goals for the Lean, Clean,and Green Area. The first goal is to eliminate easilyignitable fuels, or “kindling,” near the house. This willhelp prevent embers from starting a fire in your yard.The second goal is to keep fire intensity low if it doesignite near the house. By proper management of thefuels near the house, a fire would not be able togenerate enough heat to ignite the home.For most homeowners, the Lean, Clean, and GreenArea is also the residential landscape. This area oftenhas irrigation, is planted with ornamental vegetation,and is regularly maintained.

Lean, Clean, and GreenArea Tips

• Remove most or all flammable wildland plants, includingsagebrush, bitterbrush, rabbitbrush, cheatgrass, andmanzanita. If you wish to retain a few of these asspecimen plants, make sure they are free of dead woodand leaves, pruned to reduce the amount of fuel, andseparated from adjacent brush fields.• Select less flammable plants for the home landscape.

Some rules of thumb in selecting landscape plants for theLean, Clean, and Green Area are...• Shorter plants, less than 2 feet tall, are better choices

than taller plants.• Green, herbaceous plants, such as grass and non-

woody flowers, are better choices than shrubs and trees.• Deciduous shrubs and trees are better choices than

evergreen types.• Avoid planting juniper, mugo pine and arborvitae.

• Emphasize the use of hard surfaces and mulches. Hardsurfaces include materials such as concrete, asphalt, andbrick. Mulches include rock and wood types. Woodmulches should not be used within 3 feet of the house.• Clear all flammable vegetation from within 10 feet of thepropane tank.• Remove tree limbs that are within 10 feet of the chimney,touching the house or deck, within 6 feet of the roof, orencroaching on power lines.• Create a noncombustible area at least 3 feet widearound the base of the house.Emphasize the use of irrigated herbaceous plants, such aslawn, ground covers, and flowers.

Step SixMaintain the Defensible Space Zone:Maintaining a defensible space is an ongoing activity.Plants grow back and flammable vegetation needs tobe routinely removed and disposed of properly. Beforeeach fire season, reevaluate your property using theprevious five steps and implement the necessarydefensible space recommendations.

MINIMUM VERTICAL CLEARANCE

6 FOOTMINIMUM

CLEARANCE

3 x HEIGHT OFSHRUB

= MINIMUMVERTICAL

CLEARANCE

WITHOUT VERTICAL CLEARANCE,FIRE CLIMBS FROM GROUND TO TREESLIKE A LADDER

3 X [ ]

Minimum Horizontal ClearanceSHRUBS

From edge of one shrub to the edge of the nextTREES

From edge of one tree canapy to edge of the next

Mild to moderate slope (20% to 40% slope)Four times (4x) the height of the shrub(Two shrubs 2 ft. high should be spaced 8 ft apart)

Mild to moderate slope (20% to 40% slope)

20 feet

Moderate to steep slope(greater than 40% slope)Six times (6x) the height of the shrub(Two shrubs 2 ft. high should bespaced 12 ft. apart)

Moderate to steep slope(greater than 40% slope)

30 feet

Flat to mild slope (0% to 20% slope)Two times (2x) the height of the shrub(Two shrubs 2 ft. high should be spaced 4 ft. apart)

Flat to mild slope (0% to 20% slope)

10 feet4 feet

8 feet

12 feet


Wildland Fire Safety forYour Livestock and Pets

You’ve taken steps to keep your family and home fire safe. Don’t forget your pets and livestock.With some advance planning you can increase their chances of surviving a wildland fire.

Livestock• Clear defensible space around your barns, pastures and property just as you do yourhome. PRC 4291 requires clearance around all structures on your property.• Plan ahead, know where you would evacuate the animals. Contact your local fair-grounds, stockyards, equestrian centers, friends etc. about their policies and ability totake livestock temporarily in an emergency. Have several evacuation routes in mind. Ifyou don’t have your own truck and trailer, make arrangements with local companiesor neighbors before disaster strikes. Make sure your neighbors have your contactnumbers (cell phone, work, home, etc.).• Have vaccination/ medical records, registration papers and photographs of youranimals (proof of ownership) and your Disaster Preparedness Kit.• If you must leave your animals, leave them in a preselected, cleared area. Leaveenough hay for 48 to 72 hours. Do not rely on automatic watering systems. Powermay be lost.

Do not wait until the last minute to start evacuating!

During a wildland fire, local animal rescue organizations work with law enforcement and firedepartments to rescue as many animals as they can. In battling a wildfire, firefighters will do whatthey can but they are not responsible for evacuating your livestock. Firefighters may cut fences oropen gates to free trapped animals.

Livestock Disaster Preparedness KitHay, feed and water for three daysNon-nylon leads and haltersFirst aid itemsWire cutters and a sharp knifeHoof pickLeg wrapsShovelWater bucketsPlastic trash barrel with a lidPortable radio and extra batteriesFlashlights

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Planting trees under power lines can pose electricalshock hazards and fire safety risks.To stay safe, keep the lights on and reduce the risk offire, plant:• Medium and large trees 50 feet to the side oftransmission lines, poles and towers.

• Medium and large trees 30 feet to the side of distributionlines and poles.

For more information visit pge.com/trees or forCalifornia tree selections visitwww.selectree.calpoly.edu.To request a "Guide to Planting Small Trees NearDistribution Lines” call 1-800-743-5000, or [email protected]. Specify: NorthernCA, Central CA or Bay Area/Inland.

Trees and Power LinesPlanting Tip — Plant the“Right Tree in the Right Place.”

In 2004, PC FSC was recognized by the USForest Service Chief with the RuralCommunity Assistance National LeadershipAward for, “Outstanding accomplishmentsthrough theirexceptionalleadership, vision,and perseverancein workingcollaboratively toreduce the risk ofcatastrophicwildfire inPlumas County.”

Pets• Plan ahead. Know where you will take or leave your pets. In case youare not home when disaster strikes, arrange in advance for a neighborto check on or transport your pets. Make sure your neighbors have yourcontact numbers (cell phone, work, home, etc.). In the event ofevacuation pets may not be allowed inside human emergency shelters -have an alternate prearranged location to take your animals.• Make sure your pets are always wearing properly fitted collarswith personal identification, rabies and license tags.• Each animal should have its own pet carrier. Birds, rodentsand reptiles should be transported in cages. Cover cages witha light sheet or cloth to minimize their fear.• Store vaccination/medical records, veterinary contact information, proof of ownership, acurrent photo, and a Disaster Preparedness Kit in one location.

Pet Disaster Preparedness KitPet carrier for each petTwo week supply of food and waterNon-spill food and water bowlsPet first-aid kitMedications and dosing instructionsCat litter box and litterPlastic bags for waste disposalPaper towelsDisinfectantsLeashes/collars/harnessesBlanketsToys and treatsNewspaper

If You Must Leave Your PetIf you must leave your pets, bring them indoors.

Never leave pets chained outdoors!Use a room with no windows and adequate ventilation, such as a utility

room, garage, bathroom, or other area that can be easily cleaned.Do not tie pets up!

Leave only dry foods and fresh water in non-spill containers. If possible opena faucet to let water drip into a large container or partially fill a bathtub withwater.

www.fire.ca.gov

�


WHAT IS DEFENSIBLE SPACE?Defensible space is the area between a house and anoncoming wildfire where the vegetation has beenmodified to reduce the wildfire threat and to provide anopportunity for firefighters to effectively defend thehouse. Sometimes, a defensible space is simply ahomeowner’s properly maintained backyard.

WHAT IS THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEENVEGETATION AND WILDFIRE THREAT?Many people do not view the plantsgrowing on their property as a threat. But in terms ofwildfire, the vegetation adjacent to their homes can haveconsiderable influence upon the survivability of theirhouses. All vegetation, including plants native to thearea and ornamental plants, is potential wildfire fuel. Ifvegetation is properly modified and maintained, a wildfirecan be slowed, the length of flames shortened, and theamount of heat reduced, all of which assist fighters indefending the home against an oncoming wildfire.

THE FIRE DEPARTMENT IS SUPPOSED TOPROTECT MY HOUSE, SO WHY BOTHER WITHDEFENSIBLE SPACE?Some individuals incorrectly assume that a fire enginewill be parked in their driveway and firefighters will beactively defending their homes if a wildfire approaches.During a major wildfire, it is unlikely there will be enoughfirefighting resources available to defend every home. Inthese instances, firefighters will likely select homes theycan most safely and effectively protect. Even withadequate resources, some wildfires may be so intensethat there may be little firefighters can do to prevent ahouse from burning. The key is to reduce fire intensity aswildfire nears the house. This can be accomplished byreducing the amount of flammable vegetationsurrounding a home. Consequently, the most importantperson in protecting a house from wildfire is not afirefighter, but the property owner. And it is the actiontaken by the owner before the wildfire occurs (such asproper landscaping) that is most critical.

DOES DEFENSIBLE SPACE REQUIRE A LOT OFBARE GROUND IN MY LANDSCAPE?No. Unfortunately, many people have this misconception.While bare ground is certainly effective in reducing thewildfire threat, it is unnecessary and unacceptable dueto appearance, soil erosion, and other reasons. Manyhomes have attractive, well-vegetated landscapes thatalso serve as effective defensible space.

DOES CREATING A DEFENSIBLE SPACE REQUIREANY SPECIAL SKILLS OR EQUIPMENT?No. For the most part, creating a defensible spaceemploys routine gardening and landscape maintenancepractices,such as pruning, mowing, weeding, plant removal,appropriate plant selection, and irrigation. Equipmentneeded includes common tools such as a chain saw, apruning saw, pruning shears, loppers, a weed-eater, ashovel, and a rake. A chipper, compost bin, or largerented trash dumpster may be useful in disposing ofunwanted plant material.

HOW BIG IS AN EFFECTIVE DEFENSIBLE SPACE?Defensible space size is not the same for every home,but varies by slope and type of wildland vegetationgrowing near the house. See “Step One” on page 12.

DOES DEFENSIBLE SPACE MAKE A DIFFERENCE?Yes. Investigations of homes threatened by wildfireindicate that those with an effective defensible space aremuch more likely to survive a wildfire. Furthermore,homes with both an effective defensible space and anonflammable roof (composition shingles, tile, metal,etc.) are many times more likely to survive a wildfire.Defensible space also allows firefighters to effectivelyand safely defend your home.

DOES HAVING A DEFENSIBLE SPACE GUARANTEEMY HOUSE WILL SURVIVE A WILDFIRE?No. Under extreme conditions, almost any house canburn. However, having a defensible space willsignificantly improve the odds of your home surviving awildfire.

WHY DOESN’T EVERYONE LIVING IN A HIGH FIREHAZARD AREA CREATE A DEFENSIBLE SPACE?The specific reasons for not creating a defensible spaceare varied. Presented on page 11 are responses tocommon excuses for not creating defensible space.

Frequently asked questions about defensible space

DO YOU LOVEYOUR HOUSE?

FREE ESTIMATES

DO YOU LOVETHE FOREST?

Call William: 530-588-6200

IS YOUR HOME READY?

NEIGHBORINGPROPERTY

ZONE 1

ZONE 2100 feet

30 feet

Defensible Space Zone

10 feet


Butterfly Valley Forestry can HELP YOU:• Make your property a safe place for firefightersto be while defending your house from wildfire

• Create forest fire balance, so only managablelow-intensity fires burn.

• Remove surface fuels byleafblowing/needle raking. Call William: 530-588-6200

• Eliminate ladder fuels by thinning,piling, burning.

• Promote old growth forest and saveyour big trees from fire.

Want to Burn Your Yard Debris?Residents in Plumas County are faced with a

yard waste challenge: how do we dispose of ourgreen waste? Unfortunately, our options for yardwaste disposal are very limited at this time. As aresult, we must burn yard debris during winter orearly spring. Since 2014 was a record drywinter, we must take extreme caution whileburning. Escaped debris burns are the numberone cause of human caused fires on the PlumasNational Forest. Escaped debris burns are oftenthe result of a pile left unattended or burningwhen windy.Debris burning can be a very effective means

of reducing fire hazards around your home andproperty if handled properly and safely.It is important to remember that the person

doing the burning is financially responsible forsuppression costs and damages if the debrisburn escapes. Before you light a burn pileremember that burning on non-burn days, or outof approved burn hours may result in anemergency fire dispatch to your home. If thishappens you may be cited and charged for thepersonnel and equipment time.Burning Permits are required beginning May

1st through June 30th. Permits may besuspended early due to unusually high firedanger. A burn ban is in effect from July 1stthrough October yearly regardless of theweather. Note: For air quality reasons, burning isbanned completely at any time throughout theyear in the downtown Quincy and East Quincy

portions of the American Valley.

Please follow theseguidelines when planning a debris burn onyour property:

Green or wet vegetation should be dried 3-6weeks before burning to reduce your smokeimpact on the community. Fire Preventionspecialists recommend covering your burn pileswith plastic or similar material in the fall beforethe rain to allow for easy ignition of the pilesduring very wet weather.Keep pile size at 4 feet in diameter or less. Ifburn piles are larger than 4’ x 4’, a special permitis needed and the piles must be inspected by aDistrict Fire Prevention Officer.Do not burn plywood, particle board, paintedwood, sheetrock, insulation, plastics, tires.Make sure that the area within 10 feet of outeredge of pile is free and clear of any vegetationon the ground. Construct your control lines downto mineral soil.An adult must be in attendance with a shoveluntil the fire is dead out.A water supply is required at the burning site,have plenty of hoses laid and ready before youlight your pile.Don’t burn when windy.Have in possession a valid burning permit.Make sure your fire is out! Check the burn areabefore leaving it, even after you think it is deadout.

Burn only on days approved by the NorthernSierra Air Quality Management District. Callany of the following numbers to find out if itis a permissive burn day:

Portola: 832-4528Greenville: 284-6520Quincy: 283-3602Chester: 258-2588Eastern Sierra County: 994-3561Western Sierra County: 289-3662

EscapedDebris Burnsare the #1cause ofhuman-causedfires on thePlumas NF.

To obtain a burning permit or have your questionsanswered regarding residential burning, pleasecontact or visit a local Forest Service or Cal FireOffice:

Mt. Hough Ranger District Office – 39696 StateHighway 70, Quincy Ca. 283-0555Greenville Work Center – 122 Hot Springs RoadGreenville, Ca. 284-7126Beckwourth Ranger District Office – MohawkRoad, Blairsden Ca. 836-2575Almanor Ranger District Office – Highway 36Chester, CA. 258-2141Sierraville Ranger District Office – Highway89,Sierraville, Ca. 994-3401Almanor Ranger District Office – Highway 36Chester, CA. 258-2141Cal Fire – Westwood Fire Station – 3rd andGreenwood, Westwood, Ca. 256-3203Cal Fire – Truckee Fire Station – Truckee TahoeAirport Rd., Truckee Ca. 582-9471

The National Forests issue burn permits under anagreement with Cal-Fire.Your Burn Permit will further explain the latestregulations and recommendations.


Numerous groups are working together toreduce the threat of catastrophic fire in theGenesee Valley:

Recently the USFS and the FeatherRiverLandTrust completed the Genesee Wildland/UrbanInterface (WUI) Collaborative UnderburnProject. This effort consisted of hand thinningsmall diameter conifers, piling, clearing groundfuels from the base of oaks and large diameterconifers, building fire line around woodenstructures, and pile and under burningoperations. The burning effectively reducedunderstory vegetation, ladder fuels, and excessdead-and-down fuels on approximately 38.5acres of private land and 20.0 acres of publicland in the Genesee Wildland Urban Interface.Thinning, clearing, and piling on Feather RiverLand Trust’s Heart K Ranch was performed bythe Greenville Rancheria Wildland Fire Crew.Burning operations on public and private lands

were conducted by the US Forest Service, Mt.Hough Ranger District, and the GreenvilleRancheria Wildland Fire Crew.

The FeatherRiverResource ConservationDistrict is managing a grant that is thinning 100acres of over stocked forest on the Heart KRanch which is owned by the FeatherRiverLand Trust. The Greenville RancheriaWildland Fire Crew has treated approximately70 acres and they will be treating the remainingacres during the winter of 2014-2015.

Plumas Audobon Society, FeatherRiverLandTrust andMaidu Summit Consortium arebringing together Native American knowledgeand contemporary science to restore habitat onland sacred to Mountain Maidu, anunderrepresented community. This projectincludes the re-introduction of fire as a tool formanaging the forest.

Photo courtesy of Darrel Jury – Plumas Audubon Society

Partnerships in action:USFS, FeatherRiverLand Trust, Plumas AudubonSociety, FeatherRiverResource Conservation District:

La Port Road and the PC FSCResidents along La Port Road have been the beneficiaries of a

number of Hazardous Fuel Reduction (HFR) projects thanks to theirefforts and those of PC FSCduring the past five years. PC FSC hasfacilitated the treatment of nearly 300 acres of private forest lands byseeking grant funds from a number of different funding sources andretained contractors to accomplish prescribed treatments. HFR wasfocused on the removal and thinning of excessive vegetation forsurface and ladder fuels. Treatments included the commercial removalof biomass (woodchips) and saw logs, mastication of fuels, and handpiling and burning. Those projects that generated merchantable timberproducts helped to fund the project along with landowner’s cashin-kind payments.

The La Port Road Projects have been funded by programs andgrants from CAL FIRE, the Sierra Nevada Conservancy, and thePlumas NF by recommendation of the Plumas County ResourceAdvisory Committee. Not only do these projects reduce the threat oflarge fires destroying private properties, damaging water quality,reducing forest productivity and wildlife habitat, they also havecreated jobs for many local Plumas County business and residents.PC FSC retained a local registered professional forester and a numberof Licenced Timber Operators who are residents of Plumas County.


Meadow ValleyMulti-Agency Wildland Fire

Exercise

Plumas County Office of Emergency Services, Plumas National Forestand the Meadow Valley Volunteer Fire Department, along with manyothers, conducted a wildland fire training exercise in Meadow Valley,CA on Sunday, June 1, 2014. Although there was no actual fire,residents experienced emergency vehicles and operations throughoutthe community, particularly between 11:00 am - 4:00 pm.

The objectives of this training exercise were to test and improve theparticipating agencies notification, response, coordination andcommunication systems used during an incident in addition toexpanding participant’s knowledge and use of the Incident CommandSystem. Other objectives include increasing community awarenessabout the Firewise communities program, how to create defensiblespace around homes and how to be prepared for an evacuation.

Background: The five hour training exercise was based on a scenariowhere a fire started west of Silver Creek Road in Meadow Valley. Firesuppression resources included local volunteer fire departments,USDA Forest Service and CAL FIRE.

The Plumas County Sheriff’s Department, California Highway Patroland Plumas County Search and Rescue simulated an evacuation.The American Red Cross, Plumas County Social Services, PublicHealth and all Plumas County hospitals simulated emergency shelteroperations at the Plumas-Sierra County Fairgrounds. The operationsincluded an animal shelter component simulated by Plumas CountyAgriculture Department.

Other cooperators included CA Office of Emergency Services, PG&E,Soper Wheeler, Plumas Amateur Radio Club and private landownersamong others.

Questions may be directed to Lori Pini, Health Education Coordinator -Plumas County Public Health/Office of Emergency Services (530) 283-6988 or [email protected].

Plumas County Sheriff ’s OfficeReverse 911 Emergency Notification System

Plumas County has instituted a new rapid emergency notificationservice called CodeRED®. The new system will distribute emergencymessages via telephone to targeted areas or the entire county at a rate of1,000 calls per minute. CodeRED® employs a one-of-a-kind Internetmapping capability for geographic targeting of calls, coupled with a highspeed telephone calling system capable of delivering customized pre-recorded emergency messages directly to homes and businesses, liveindividuals and answering machines. By registering, you’ll be added tothe emergency call list. This service can be used in case of fires,chemical spills, evacuations, lock downs, downed power lines, lostindividuals, natural disasters, abductions, water system problems, bombthreats, or other emergencies. Calls can be geographically targeted forlocalized messaging. If widespread, the entire community could be calledwithin 20 to 30 minutes. The system also reports who did not get a call sothat they may be contacted by other means. Plumas County residents arewelcome and encouraged to enter their contact information for home,business, and mobile phones so they may be contacted by the system inthe event of an emergency. It is important for city residents andbusinesses customers to register, especially if they use unlistednumbers, cell phones, or VOIP. Those who do not register their addressand phone number may not be notified with CodeRED in the case of anemergency. Registration is confidential, free, and easy.

Important Facts:• Most landline phones have been entered into the system from datareceived from AT&T of Frontier Communications.• Registering to receive emergency messages on a mobile device, ormaking sure your land line phone is associated with the correct addressis simple and takes only minutes.• By signing up for these alerts, you will only receive messages from thePlumas County Sheriff ’s Office in the event of emergencies unless youopt in to general notifications.• You will receive a message related to the address that was entered uponregistration, no matter where you are at the time of the alert.• Individuals are responsible for making changes to their registrationinformation or updating the address you have registered. The Sheriff ’sOffice does not manage this information.• Upon receipt of an emergency message, DO NOT call 911 or theSheriff ’s Dispatcher for information or updates related to thenotification. The exceptions would be if you have a true emergency orcan relay critical information.

Examples:You find a “missing child” or witness somethingrelated to the message.You are experiencing an unrelated emergency and needassistance.

To sign up for Code Red(Plumas County Sheriff ’s Office’s Reverse 911 system)

1. Go to the Plumas County web site atwww.countyofplumas.com.

2. First click “Departments” tab, then go to “Sheriff/Coroner” tab.

3. From there you will see the Code Red Alert button.Follow these simple steps and complete the form on theCode Red web site and you are done.


Mike De Lasaux, ChairChuck Bowman, Vice Chair

Mike Callaghan, Sect./TreasurerJim HamblinDeb BumpusShane VargasJerry Sipe

PC FSCBoard Members

PC FSC Mission Statement: “To reduce the loss of naturaland human-made resources caused by wildfire throughFirewise community programs and pre-fire activities.”

What is the Plumas County Fire Safe Council (PC FSC)PC FSC was organized in 1998, became a non-profit corporation in 2002, and hassince worked very hard to provide community support for wildfire mitigation countywide.

PC FSC PLANS(These plans available on the

website www.plumasfiresafe.org)PC FSC has developed a number of plansto assist homeowners and communities tobetter understand the risks, mitigationmeasures and if necessary preparationsfor evacuations.

• Tree trimming and removal• Brush removal• Brush and tree chipping• Hazardous limbs and deadwood removal• Snow Removal

Licensed and insured • Free Estimates

Now offers hazardoustree and brush

removal servicesfor fire prevention at

your home or business.

Serving the areafor over 20 years!

living with fire; plumas firesafe council

Documents

plumas county inregards

safe landscaping12

nils lunder

wildfire threats thatwe

personal wildfire preparations

jerry sipe

mike callahan

jerry hurley