By Shannon Lukens.
Steamboat Springs Fire Rescue will help you on how to prepare your home for wildfires.
Kate Averett is one of two seasonal wildland firefighters on staff who will walk around your house or neighborhood and point out things that are good, or bad, if there’s a fire.
“I think it just allows us here at the fire department to help us help you be prepared for any wildfire danger in the future.”
Averett says the most important place to check is the Immediate Zone, which is zero to five feet around your house. Move anything away from wall exteriors that can burn, like mulch, leaves, and firewood piles.
“The zero to five feet is the most important surrounding your house, because as long as you have it hardened, there’s no ground fuel that can creep up and cause a potential ignition.
Averett says ¼” between deck boards is good because embers can fall through there instead of burn. If you have screens on your house like outdoor attic vents, get metal mesh that is 1/8-inch thick because that also reduces embers.
Fix any loose or missing shingles to prevent ember penetration. Check with your insurance company to make sure you have the right insurance plan.
Remove low hanging branches that are near to the ground.
To schedule a Home Ignition Zone Assessment, reach out to the local fire department. Call the station at 970-879-7170.
Find out more at Firewise.org
