LIMIT YARD VEGETATION

TO PREVENT WILDFIRE SPREAD

EAST LANSING, Mich. –Homeowners who live in rural areas or in conifer-type subdivisions can reduce the chance of damage to home and buildings from a wildfire by creating defensible space around the house and outbuildings.

Defensible space is the area between a house and an oncoming fire where vegetation has been modified to reduce the threat of wildfire. It also provides firefighters with better access to potential blazes.

Fire professionals recommend clearing 30 feet around any structure of vegetation that may catch fire and carry it to the structure. Keeping brush cleared away from a woodland home slows a fire’s progress and allows emergency vehicles access when needed.

“A homeowner does not need to have a bare lawn to prevent wildfire damage to the home, however green grass will not carry a wildfire, says Mark Hansen, MSU Extension wildfire specialist. “A maintained lawn and the right placement of landscape plants can provide the aesthetics that homeowners want, while still protecting the home.”

Removing dead and low branches also prevents a wildfire on the ground from climbing into the canopy of trees such as pines, spruces and junipers. Trimming branches of these fire-prone tree species that hang over roofs and near chimneys will help to keep fires away from the house.

For more information on protecting your home from wildfires, pick up a copy of “Protect Your Michigan Home from Wildfire” (Michigan State University Extension Bulletin E-2831) at your county Extension office, or visit <www.msue.msu.edu/emergency>.

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