By Greg Welter
Chico Enterprise-Record
PARADISE, Calif. — Being prepared for a wildland fire by clearing defensible space around property is a mantra foothill dwellers have heard for years from Butte County fire officials.
On Wednesday several dozen of those residents, joined by safety professionals, got a chance to prove what they know about reducing fire hazards on their property.
During a Wildfire Safe Summit in Paradise, Butte County Fire Safe Council Executive Director Calli-Jane Burch broke a crowd of about 70 people into small groups and had them arrange miniature homes, cars and shrubbery in plastic containers filled with sand to simulate a defensible plan.
Nearly every group came up with a good scheme, said judge George Morris III, from Cal Fire-Butte County, but one group got an edge for including a water source and plenty of room for access by fire engines.
Those elements are just two of several factors, according to Morris, that can make the difference of fire crews being able to save a home, or move on to a more defensible property.
Clearing the property of fuels, especially dry brush and tree branches growing low to the ground, are the most important steps, according to Morris.
In some situations, homes will burn regardless of how well property has been cleared, and having a family evacuation plan that includes pets and irreplaceable items is another priority, Morris said.
Under current guidelines, extremely volatile fuels should be kept at least 10 feet from structures, and defensible space with sparse, green vegetation should be maintained 100 feet from homes, or to the property line.
In recent fires in Southern California Morris and Cal Fire information officer Janet Upton said many homes were saved due to defensible space and the use of fire-resistant building materials. They noted that residents who feel they are best prepared for a fire are sometimes the most reluctant to evacuate.
They also said some residents in Southern California allegedly told firefighters their property had been cleared, or their driveways included ample turnarounds when that wasn’t the case. In some cases, they said, fire crews found themselves trapped or delayed by flames.
Burch said the Butte County Fire Safe Council’s chipper program continues to be able to help residents clear their property.
Fuel break projects are also continuing, with the council seeking grants for work in the south county area.
Since 2001, Burch said, fuel breaks and the chipper program have helped more than 1,000 residents create defensible space on nearly 2,500 acres.
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