California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
Amador-El Dorado Unit

CONTACT: Teri Mizuhara, Fire Prevention Specialist II, 530.708.2724
RELEASE DATE: September 18, 2012


Are You Ember Aware?
 

Camino - "During a wildland fire your home may be showered by hundreds or even thousands of embers from a fire, it can resemble a rain or snow storm but in the case of a wildland fire, it would be raining down burning embers. If your home is not properly prepared, these flying embers can cause your home to catch fire and burn to the ground. This is the number one cause of structures destroyed by wildfires according the University of Nevada Cooperative Extensions "Living With Fire" program" cautions Unit Chief Kelly Keenan of the Amador-El Dorado Unit of CAL FIRE. "During a fire, the embers can also get blown around on the ground and swirl at your feet spreading fire everywhere" adds Chief Keenan.

"Keep in mind that flying embers can be blown a mile ahead of the wildland fire front, so just because you don't live near the fire, doesn't make you immune to the damage from the fire. In many cases, a home may burn to the ground but the wildland fire never got close to the structure. Too often people become compliant, underestimating the damage flying embers (leaves, branches, bark, pieces of a burning building, etc.) can cause but time and time again we see the devastation it leaves in its wake" shares Chief Keenan.

Review your home's exterior and make changes today! Here is a partial list of things to look for:

  • Roofs are the single most vulnerable area to burning embers. Make sure it is made out of fire resistive material and keep it free of debris (leaves, needles, pine cones, etc.). Don't forget your gutters!
     
  • Make sure your chimney has a spark arrestor in good working condition and that it has been properly installed.
     
  • Windows can fail during a wildland fire and allow the fire to enter the home, make sure you have double paned tempered glass in your windows.
     
  • Woodpiles stacked against the house or under the deck are also fuel for the burning embers. Move them away a minimum of 30 feet from the house. Cover them to prevent embers from lodging in the cracks and crevices.
     
  • Weeds and other dead vegetation near or next to the home such as pine cones, dead leaves and pine needles are primed to catch fire; remove all flammable material next to your home and other outbuildings.

For more information on the dangers burning embers pose to your home and property, please visit http://www.livingwithfire.info. For information on defensible space and hardening your home against a wildfire please visit http://www.ReadyForWildfire.org.


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