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Seven years ago this August, in Ramsey Canyon in Oregon, a wildfire erupted that veteran firefighters claimed was the most stubborn and dangerous fire they have ever seen. By the fourth evening of the fire, one life, ten homes and 8,000 acres were gone.
Despite evacuation orders, many residents in Ramsey Canyon stayed put, and only through the heroic efforts of some 2,000 firefighters who performed miraculous rescues, did the residents survive.
Today in Florida, 12,000 acres lie in smoldering ash as an equally stubborn fire rages out of control. To compound the mess, Florida is suffering from the driest year on record in more than a century. And conditions are ripe for wildfires across the country. The danger is ominous, and yet preventative action is voluminous. Here’s how you can help:
Don’t burn in the open. 12,000 acres went up in flames in Florida because of one small trash fire.
Extinguish cigarettes completely; do not toss lit butts out the car window.
Remove pine needles, dead branches and other debris from around your house and yard. Clean gutters and clip all branches within 10 feet of your chimney.
Mow your lawn regularly and dispose promptly of cuttings and debris.
Keep trees and shrubs pruned. Branches should be a minimum of 6 feet from the ground and shrubs under trees should be no more than 18 inches high.
Stack firewood and place propane tanks at least 50 feet from your house.
Test and replace defective smoke detectors and replace batteries as needed.
Keep the vegetation next to your house well irrigated within your watering guidelines.
Portable fire extinguishers save lives and property by putting out small fires until the fire department comes. Have two in working order in your house.
Pre-plan evacuation activity with your family.
Plan for the protection of your pets.
If officials urge you to evacuate—go!
Wildfires that cause smoke and haze in our communities can create a number of problems. Persons with breathing difficulties suffer. Traffic is re-routed, as is the situation in Florida where the always-busy Interstate 4 artery between Orlando and Tampa has to be closed for several days. These are minor annoyances when compared to flames threatening your home and family. A little cool-headed preparedness can keep hot nature from your door.
IBHS is an initiative of the insurance industry to reduce deaths, injuries, property damage, economic losses and human suffering caused by natural disasters.
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