Despite the potential intensity and speed of brush fires, fire officials say many homes in a brush fire's path can be saved with very little help from firefighters. They say "Fire-wise Principles" are key to keeping any structure safer from the ravages of the fast-spreading flames.
- Clean dead leaves, debris from gutters and rooftops
- Clear dead brush from around base of home
- Keep lawn manicured and watered
- For more tips, visit firewise.org
Cleaning dead leaves and other debris from you gutters and rooftop, clearing dead brush from around the base of your home and keeping your lawn manicured and watered are a few of those key principles, which can make all the difference.
The National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) reports that between 2011 and 2016, the annual loss of property in brush fires is 44 percent higher than the annual average in the previous 12 years. With those sobering numbers in mind, officials believe pushing residents to be more fire-wise could save both home and heartache in the long run.
For Indian Lake Estates residents Terry and Colleen Colding, Fire-wise principles made all the different in saving their home this week.
"Well, [the fire] trailed up to the edge of the house," said Terry, but that's where it stopped. He told us he's kept his yard in shape for years.
"Number one, just try to keep all the debris away from your home as you can," said Terry. "Keep your grass cut and if you’ve got some water, use it."