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Wildfire risk planning and defense: Difference between revisions
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= Home Ignition Zone = | |||
The concept of the home ignition zone was developed by retired fire scientist Jack Cohen in the late 1990s, following some breakthrough experimental research into how homes ignite due to the effects of radiant heat. The HIZ is divided into three zones. | The concept of the home ignition zone was developed by retired fire scientist Jack Cohen in the late 1990s, following some breakthrough experimental research into how homes ignite due to the effects of radiant heat. The HIZ is divided into three zones. | ||
The below zoning has been adapted and internationalised from the United States NFPA wildfire defensible space guidelines. | The below zoning has been adapted and internationalised from the United States NFPA wildfire defensible space guidelines<ref>https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/wildfire/preparing-homes-for-wildfire</ref>. | ||
=== Immediate Zone === | === Immediate Zone === | ||
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* Clean roofs and gutters of dead leaves, debris and pine needles that could catch embers. | * Clean roofs and gutters of dead leaves, debris and pine needles that could catch embers. | ||
* Replace or repair any loose or missing shingles or roof tiles to prevent ember penetration. | * Replace or repair any loose or missing shingles or roof tiles to prevent ember penetration. | ||
* Reduce embers that could pass through vents in the eaves by installing 1/8 inch metal mesh screening. | * Reduce embers that could pass through vents in the eaves by installing 3cm (1/8 inch) metal mesh screening. | ||
* Clean debris from exterior attic vents and install 1/8 inch metal mesh screening to reduce embers. | * Clean debris from exterior attic vents and install ~3cm (1/8 inch) metal mesh screening to reduce embers. | ||
* Repair or replace damaged or loose window screens and any broken windows Screen or box-in areas below patios and decks with wire mesh to prevent debris and combustible materials from accumulating. | * Repair or replace damaged or loose window screens and any broken windows Screen or box-in areas below patios and decks with wire mesh to prevent debris and combustible materials from accumulating. | ||
* Move any flammable material away from wall exteriors – mulch, flammable plants, leaves and needles, firewood piles – anything that can burn. Remove anything stored underneath decks or porches. | * Move any flammable material away from wall exteriors – mulch, flammable plants, leaves and needles, firewood piles – anything that can burn. Remove anything stored underneath decks or porches. | ||
=== Intermediate Zone === | === Intermediate Zone === | ||
~1.5 | This zone starts at ~1.5 and goes to 9m (5 to 30 feet). It begins at the furthest exterior point of the home. Employing careful landscaping or creating breaks that can help influence and decrease fire behavior | ||
* Clear vegetation from under large stationary gas tanks. | * Clear vegetation from under large stationary gas tanks. | ||
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=== Extended Zone === | === Extended Zone === | ||
This zone begins at 9m - 30m (30- 100 feet) out to 60m (200 feet). The goal here is not to eliminate fire but to interrupt fire’s path and keep flames smaller and on the ground. | This zone begins at 9m - 30m (30- 100 feet) and extends out to 60m (200 feet). The goal here is not to eliminate fire but to interrupt fire’s path and keep flames smaller and on the ground. | ||
* Dispose of heavy accumulations of ground litter/debris. | * Dispose of heavy accumulations of ground litter/debris. | ||
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* | * | ||
Note: some trees/foliage types are far more flammable than others. 'Gummy', high-resin species will burn hotter and so should be spaced further apart. The distances here are given as minimums. | Note: some trees/foliage types are far more flammable than others. 'Gummy', high-resin species will burn hotter and so should be spaced further apart. The distances here are given as minimums. | ||
== Citations == | |||
<references /> | |||