Wildfires
We tend to think of wildfires as something that affects the Western States, wildfires can, and do, strike in any part of the country. Many artists live in idylic rural settings that, when conditions are dry, present a danger from wildfires. And even if you live in an area that is not particularly prone to wildfires, and in a more urban setting, a fire in an adjacent building can present many of the same risks.
Here are some tips on minimizing your risks from wildfires:
Determine Your Risk
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Find out about history of wildfires in your area
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A drought or long period without rain increases risk of wildfire
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Is your property clearly marked and accessible to firefighting equipment?
Practice Fire Safety
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Do not build fires near buildings or combustible structures
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Do not build fires during dry periods
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Do not leave a fire, even a lit cigarette, unattended
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Always have a means to extinguish a fire quickly and completely
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Store combustible liquids in approved safety containers away from building
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Grill carefully and avoid using grill at high-risk times. Keep gas grill and propane bottles at least 15 feet from building
Create fire defense zones to keep a fire from spreading to your business or home.
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Remove combustible objects and materials within 30 feet from the structure
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Use noncombustible materials such as rock mulch, brick, concrete in this area - avoid combustible mulches like wood chips in this area
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Select and maintain plantings in this area carefully so you do not create a path for fire
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Create a buffer zone within 100 feet (or greater-especially if on a slope) of structure