On the brink of the devastating wildfire currently hitting Washington, and the 26 fires that are burning almost a million acres in the western US, our thoughts and best wishes go out to the residents, the fire crews, and everyone affected by these tragic fires.
According to the National Interagency Fire Center, there have been over 31,081 fires resulting in 1,581,995 acres burned so far this year, and the Union of Concerned Scientists estimate that destruction costs are more than $1.7 billion dollars for 2014.
80% of at risk homes, businesses, and properties are located in California, Colorado, and Texas and FEMA recommends that homeowners create a 30-100 foot safety zone around their homes with the following steps:
- Rake and remove leaves, twigs, and pine needles and all other flammable vegetation.
- Keep wood piles at least 30 feet from your home.
- Prune tree branches and shrubs within 15 feet of a chimney outlet.
- Develop and practice a home evacuation plan as well as a family communication plan.