We love living in the mountain west, but we also understand it comes with the risk of forest fires. Fire mitigation is an intentional, strategic and effective way to reduce the risks of wildland fire. Selectively thinning or removing trees and ladder fuels, clearing around structures, and hardening the landscape are all key pieces of improving fire readiness in the wildland-urban interface (WUI).
What does a fire mitigation plan look like?
At Preservation Tree Care we start with a walk through of your property. We ask questions and get clarity on what your goals for the property are. We discuss and educate you on the potential threats to these goals and how to best address them. We then present a plan, and when authorized, we mark trees for removal or pruning to ensure a safe, clear, and efficient execution.
What does a fire mitigation plan look like?
Our strategy, philosophy and methods are what set us apart. We believe you can have a beautiful, green and safe home that allows you to enjoy all the benefits of living in a forested area. We educate you on what we’re looking for and how it impacts you. We believe in preserving the land and forest, and therefore use low impact techniques like highlines, winches and lighter weight equipment to efficiently and effectively get the project done.
What should I look for when considering Fire Mitigation
Hillsides burn faster as fire travels uphill quickly. South and southwest hillsides are drier and more prone to the threat of fire. Pay particular attention to these areas by thinning and removing fuels appropriately.
“Chimneys”, or areas where 2 hillsides come together to create a trough. These areas allow fire to spread more quickly.
Grasses can spread fire quickly across the ground. Be sure to mow grasses low to minimize the speed and intensity of the spread of fire.
Ladder fuels are fallen trees, shrubs and low limbs that allow fire to spread from the ground into the canopy. Removing shrubs and raising low limbs to 15’ is a good way to mitigate ladder fuels.
Densely treed areas present an opportunity for fire to push through the forest with greater speed and intensity. Slow the spread of fire by creating 10’ of distance between individual canopies and 30’ between groups of trees.
Limbs Overhanging the house or structures should be raised or removed to give 15’ of clearance above
Dead and diseased trees are more susceptible to fire. Remove dead and diseased trees first when thinning the forest.