FireWise Toolkit - Homeowner Checklist

Wildfire season has started here in Idaho. Every year, more people are living where wildfires are a real risk. But by working together, you can make your own property — and your whole neighborhood — much safer from wildfire.

Action Steps for Around Your Home:

• CLEAR leaves and other vegetative debris from roofs, gutters, porches and decks. This helps  prevent embers from igniting your home. 
• REMOVE dead vegetation and other items from under your deck or porch, and within 10 feet  of the house. 
• SCREEN in areas below patios and decks with wire mesh to prevent debris and combustible  materials from accumulating. 
• REMOVE flammable materials (wood piles, propane tanks) within 30 feet of your home’s  foundation and outbuildings, including garages and sheds. If it can catch fire, don’t let it touch  your house, deck or porch. 
• Wildfire can spread to tree tops. PRUNE trees so the lowest branches are 6 to 10 feet from the  ground. 
• KEEP your lawn hydrated and maintained. If it is brown, cut it down to reduce fire intensity.  Dry grass and shrubs are fuel for wildfire. 
• Don’t let debris and lawn cuttings linger. DISPOSE of these items quickly to reduce fuel for fire. 
• INSPECT shingles or roof tiles. Replace or repair the shingles that are loose or missing to  prevent ember penetration. 
• OVER exterior attic vents with metal wire mesh no larger than 1/8 inch to prevent sparks  from entering the home. 
• ENCLOSE eaves and screen soffit vents using 1/8 mesh metal screening to prevent ember entry. 

 Read more July Newsletter Articles here >