Wildfire mitigation is now of the utmost importance. In recent years, we’ve seen the severity of wildfires increase in numerous locations around the world, with whole communities struggling for weeks to extinguish their flames.
Wildfires are caused by humans and natural phenomena alike, and they’re now happening in places that had never seen wildfires in the past. So, whether you’re living in an area that’s always been at risk of wildfires or you’re concerned that wildfires might soon affect you, it’s vital that you learn about wildfire mitigation. It could make all the difference.
Who is at risk of wildfires?
Wildfires commonly occur in hot countries. They’re particularly prevalent if humidity is also high. As temperatures soar over the summer months, the risk of wildfires igniting naturally grows. There are other risk factors to be aware of where wildfires are concerned, too.
Weather makes a big impact on how fast or far a wildfire can travel. So, if you live in a windy area or you regaruly have windy days where the temperature remains high, you could well have a recipe for wildfires.
High levels of humidity will dry out natural vegetation, potentially turning it into fuel for a fire. Some plants can also increase risk levels, so watch out for plants with low water content as these tend to burn quickly and more easily.
The location of your home is also of paramount importance when assessing for wildfire mitigation. Homes that are built near dense areas of vegetation are most at risk, as it’s this natural vegetation which will fuel any approaching fire.
Rural dwellings built far from local towns and cities can be quite isolated, meaning it may take longer for emergency services to reach a home should a fire start causing a real threat. In cases like these it’s sometimes difficult for fire services to get to the location safely, particularly if the fire is moving quickly.
What you need to know about wildfire mitigation
Wildfires are enormously dangerous. Their rapid speed and enormous strength can be quite concerning for those living in at-risk areas. However, wildfire mitigation can help to prevent the spread of fires, slowing them down and protecting homes, and lives, from the devastation they can cause.
So, what can be done to slow or stop wildfires? Here are a few mitigation tips to try:
Defence zones
Mad-made defences can have a real impact in terms of controlling wildfires and keeping them away from homes. If a property is within an at-risk area, homeowners are advised to create zones using gravel or concrete, which should be kept clear at all times. These zones will slow the spread of the fire, keeping it at bay until emergency services can get to the scene.
Fire-retardant products
Materials that might otherwise have burned easily can be treated with fire-retardant products, to help protect them from a looming fire. Fire-retardants, which can be purchased in DIY kit form, can be sprayed around the exterior of a property and onto any buildings which require an added layer of protection. Products like our fire-retardant sprays are water-based and non-toxic, so they won’t harm the environment either.
Debris removal
It’s not just heat and humidity that can increase the risk of dangerous fires. The build-up of other flammable materials can also have a real impact. Look out for any dead plants, dry grass and leaves, and clear these away as soon as you can - particularly if the air temperature is rising. Bear in mind that there might be build-up in areas you can’t easily see, like under decking or between fence panels.
Tree care
If you have trees on your property, these are also potential hazards as they can quickly become fuel for a fire if the weather is warm. Look out for branches that are near to your property, particularly if any branches come into contact with the roofs or gutters of buildings on your land. Make sure there’s a good distance between trees and any nearby buildings to give your home the best level of protection.
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Wildfire mitigation is an important part of your home security, especially if you have long hot summers with high humidity. Follow our tips to keep your home well protected from wildfires, and remember that the more you do, the better chance you have of avoiding any damage even if a wildlife does cause a threat in the local area.
Get in touch with our team to learn more about what you can do to help stop wildfires in their tracks. We stock a full range of DIY fire-retardant sprays, which are ready to use as soon as they arrive. Take a look at our fire-retardant products to learn more about how to protect your home and keep your family safe.