Health & Fitness
An Ounce of Prevention: Reducing the Risks from Wildland Fires
By Mike Teague
I am sure residents and visitors to the High Country have read the articles or seen the news stories of wildland fires threating homes and property. These incidents consume hundreds of thousands of acres and hundreds of homes each year in the U.S. It is important that we improve our efforts to reduce the risks to life and property.
Most recently, we all witnessed the total devastation a wildland fire can create, when thousands of homes were destroyed in Los Angeles. During the L.A. fires, 29 people lost their lives. In early March, fires burned in the low country of South Carolina. The Myrtle Beach area experienced multiple fires threatening thousands of lives and homes.
While our fuel type here in the High Country is different from those in the western states, the potential for devastating wildland fires still exists. This was evidenced by the series of fires during November of 2016: the Horton Fire here in Watauga County, and the Gatlinburg, TN, wildfires. During the Horton Fire, 55 homes were threatened by the wind-driven fire, which burned 1,500 acres before being fully contained. Because of the hard work of firefighters, and a little luck with weather conditions, all of the homes were saved with very little damage. Had the weather conditions changed, the Horton Fire could have been much worse!
Increased Risks: A Closer Look
Andrew Harsey, Watauga County Forest Ranger, is concerned with the increased fire danger in our area after Hurricane Helene and the additional winter storms we’ve recently experienced. Harsey says, “Don’t let complacency catch you. Watauga County’s wildfire potential hasn’t been this high in a long time. With the recent storms, we have the fuel load on the ground that will remain for years to come. It will be easy to let a harmless campfire or weekend clean-up project escape into the storm damaged areas and pose a major threat to life, property, and resources. Stay vigilant with proper and smart fire safety procedures.”
I feel we need to ask a couple of questions: Why has the damage and devastation from wildland fires increased so much in the past twenty-plus years? Why are more homes being threatened with damage or destruction from wild fires?
I believe it has to do with the increased number of homes and developments being built in previously wilderness areas; this area is known as the wildland/urban interface. As we keep expanding and placing more homes deeper into the woods, we increase the number of wildland fire causes and place more homes in the path of dangerous, out-of-control wild fires. One only has to look at the housing growth in the Boone area and Watauga County as a prime example of expanding the wildland/urban interface.
In 1981, a large fire in the Aho area of Watauga County burned more than 700 acres. If we look at the footprint of that fire, over 100 homes have since been built on that acreage. If we continue to build in these areas, then additional efforts will need to be made to reduce the risk to these homes. Building homes closer together and in the wildland/urban interface area make saving and protecting them more difficult and more dangerous for firefighters.
Decrease the Danger
Debris Burning: We need to observe established burning laws within the State and local jurisdictions. Obtain a burning permit; if you plan to burn between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., a burning permit is required. They’re available from permit agents or online from the NC Department of Natural Resources at: apps.ncagr.gov/burnpermits/. Be aware that in some communities, such as the Town of Boone, open debris burning is forbidden. Don’t burn anything but natural vegetation. Burning manufactured items such as synthetics and treated woods can intensify the fire and release dangerous toxins into the air.
Don’t burn during marginal weather periods—times in which we have experienced very little rain and have high winds predicted. If these conditions exist, then delay burning until after appreciable rains have fallen and the winds have subsided.
When you burn, be sure to leave a competent person with the fire for the entire burn, and fully extinguish the fire before leaving. Studies show that ashes can remain hot for several days after a campfire or debris burn is “extinguished.” All that is needed are dry conditions and a little wind, and we have an uncontrolled wildland fire.
Campfires: Campfires are fun and provide a great opportunity to share quality family time together. Following a few simple rules will keep this fun moment from becoming a serious incident. Never pour any kind of combustible or flammable liquids on the fire. The sudden ignition of the vapors can produce a large flame causing thermal burns to anyone near the fire. Keep the campfire in a manufactured fire pit or hand dug pit. Remove all combustible vegetation such as grass and leaves from around the pit. This will provide a clear space, keeping the fire from easily spreading. As noted, make sure the fire and ashes are completely extinguished before leaving the fire. The easiest way to ensure hot embers are extinguished is to pour water on the ashes and stir them with a rake or shovel.
Grill Safety: There is just something about the taste of a grilled burger on a beautiful High Country night! I want to provide a few grilling safety tips, so your spring and summer nights go just right. Anytime you grill, make sure the grill is kept at a safe distance from combustibles. Five to ten feet of space should be a minimum of clearance from combustibles. Never grill in enclosed porches, garages or under covered decks. In addition to the obvious fire concerns, carbon monoxide produced by the burning gas or charcoal can quickly poison individuals, especially children.
As with fire pits, make sure the coals from charcoal grills are extinguished and are cold before discarding them. NEVER place ashes of any kind in combustible containers. Put ashes in metal containers only and then seal them with the lid. After you have finished with the gas grill make sure to turn off the valve at the tank. Never leave the gas tank or gas lines “on” to the grill. By turning the tank off, unintended leaks and gas buildups can be avoided.
Fireworks: Where do I start with fireworks? Leave them to the professionals! Every year hundreds of thousands of burns occur because of fireworks. I know it is popular and/or intriguing to go to Tennessee and get the “real” stuff. Out-of-state fireworks are illegal in North Carolina and you can get into trouble by just having them in your possession. I would like to suggest that you save your money and attend one of many local professional shows, which are inspected for safety and are free. Additionally, these shows have technicians who are well trained, insured and legal!
Create a defensible space around your home: One of the best tools that you can employ to protect your home is to create a defensible space. A defensible space is a cleared area roughly 100 to 200 feet in width around your home. In the defensible space, all light weight, combustible foliage is removed. Additionally, leaf debris and all dead, combustible natural vegetation is removed. No stacked firewood or combustibles are stored in the defensible space and near the home. This defensible space gives firefighters a safer area in which to protect your home. The NC Forest Service can help homeowners develop a plan for improving their defensible space. Please reach out to your local county ranger to schedule an appointment. (In Watauga County, Andrew Harsey can be reached by email at [email protected].)
When it comes to fire safety, making an effort to follow these guidelines can reduce the number of wildfires and their impacts to your family and others in our community.
Mike Teague is a 1987 graduate from ASU, and has 41 years of fire service experience. Mike served two years as the Avery County Fire Marshal and 36 years with the Boone Fire Department, where he is currently serving as the Assistant Fire Chief, certified fire service instructor, and level 3 fire prevention inspector and level 3 fire and life safety educator.