The Carson National Forest just announced in The Taos News that fire danger is high. Temperatures are in the 90s, and humidity is low. Even after all that snow in March and April, there is a high risk of fire. It doesn’t take long for things to dry out in the desert!
Fire season officially starts on May 15. Fires can be started by lightning and fireworks, but, more frequently, humans. People burning trash, out-of-town campers, and people throwing cigarettes out of their car windows are all responsible. Once in a while, it is arson. Please be careful!
Whether you live in the beautiful Pinon and Ponderosa forests in New Mexico, or in the mountains of southern California, you can protect your home with firescaping – landscaping for fire resistance.
Create defensible space.
Defensible space is your home and all outbuildings and 30′ of adjacent yard around each. It should be as clear of flammables as possible. If you are on a slope, your defensible space is 100′.
> Use fire-resistant roofing materials – tile and metal instead of wood shakes and shingles.
> Plants with the highest water needs should be closest to the house – groundcovers, lawn, flowers and other herbaceous plants. Do not plant volatile vegetation, such as evergreens, in this area.
> Plant fire-resistant plants.
> Plant in loose clusters, instead of densely.
> Mulch to retain moisture, but do not use pine bark.
> Keep plantings of shrubs and trees to a minimum. Prune them, and keep them in good health. Dead and dry vegetation is wildfire fuel.
> Trees should be pruned at least 10′ off the ground, and branches should not hang over the house.
> Do not plant vines to climb up trees. Ground fires will quickly climb them to the canopy.
> Lawns should be well-watered and cut low.
> Hardscaping – walkways, patios, stone walls, driveways and parking areas- is an effective firebreak.
> Your driveway should be wide enough for fire equipment to come in and turn around.
> Remove flammable vegetation at least 10′ on either side of the driveway.
> Keep leaves and debris out of your gutters.
> Keep your defensible space free of flammable materials, such as wood piles and scrap lumber.
> Keep hoses and tools handy in the event of a fire.
Consult your local county extension office or US Forest Service for information specific to your area.
Photos courtesy Firewise. Learn about Firewise Communities.
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As fire dangers increase with climate change, this kind of information is really crucial for all of us, not just those living in drier habitats. We just endured a couple days of heavy smoke pollution in Vermont from dozens of wildfires burning in Canada.
Wherever there are trees, there is the potential for fire, Glenn. Grass fires, too. Dried grass is highly volatile.
We have seen some intense fires right here in Taos. One year, it was so dry, you could look in any direction and see a wildfire. We were surrounded!
good share, great article, very usefull for us…thank you
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