Saskatchewan Environment - Are You At Risk From Wildfire?


	Are You At Risk From Wildfire?

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Wildfire Information

Insect and Disease Mangmnt.

Are You At Risk From Wildfire?
(Wildland / Urban Interface Program)

Every year more homes, cottages and businesses are built in or near forested lands in Saskatchewan. Many of these properties are threatened or lost to wildfire, despite the best efforts of rural fire departments and the province's forest fire suppression forces. If a major forest fire approaches your buildings, it may not be possible to give individual attention to each structure. Buildings are saved more frequently when the owners take precautions in advance. Even as the last flames of a wildfire die down, property owners frequently ask the same question, "Is there anything I could have done - to help prevent this?"

The following checklist has many tips on how to protect your property from wildfire. A person could use this checklist as they inspect their homes, cottages or businesses.

Vegetation Management

No	Yes
		branches pruned 2m from ground.
		trees limbed within 3m of chimney.
		brush and surface debris cleared within 10m of buildings
		deciduous trees (trebling aspen, birch, balsam, poplar etc.) removed within 3m of buildings.
		evergreen trees removed within 10m of buildings.
		beyond 10m evergreens spaced 8m apart.
		shrubs spaced 4m apart.
		brush piles located 8m from buildings.
		vegetation cleared at least 3m from propane or other gas tanks.

Prevention and Planning

No	Yes
		considered purchasing a roof sprinkler system with self-contained power source.
		approved fire extinguisher maintained.
		smoke detectors installed in home.
		insurance policy is up-to-date and covers wildfire damage.
		emergency escape plan developed and practiced.

Design Concerns

No	Yes
		roof shingled with asphalt or other non-flammable roofing materials.
		non-flammable siding materials used.
		outside water source maintained and a shovel kept handy.
		spark arrester chimney cap installed.
		combustible materials under buildings and attic vents screened in to keep embers out.
		road into property is 7.3m wide, with 4.5m of overhead clearance for fire engines and other emergency equipment.
		home incinerator set up in the centre of a 3m cleared circle and covered with metal mesh no larger than 16mm holes.

Regular Maintenance

No	Yes
		leaves, needles and other debris removed from eaves troughs and roof regularly.
		grass and shrubs watered regularly - green vegetation is much less flammable.
		wooden roofs treated with fire retardant chemicals.
		gasoline and other flammable liquids stored in safety cans in sheds 8m from the main structure.
		propane and other gas tanks located 10m away from buildings - valves shut off during a fire.
		wood ashes soaked in a bucket of water and deposited in a safe place.
		firewood piled at least 10m away from buildings.

Every question you answered no to puts your home and family; business and employees; or property at risk from wildfire. Use your answers as a guide to help improve your preparedness for wildfire. FREE burning permits from Saskatchewan Environment (Saskatchewan Environment) are required for any burning in or within 4.5 kilometres of a provincial forest. Further information on fireproofing and safe burning practices is available at all Saskatchewan Environment offices.

[set up plan for coniferous trees]

Remember - Only You can Prevent Forest Fires
Call Toll Free 1-800-667-9660

To receive more information on individual residence and community fireproofing please contact your local Saskatchewan Environment Fire Management and Forest Protection Branch District Office or lfremont@serm.gov.sk.ca.

[wildfire] [tree pruning]

Are You At Risk From Wildfire?

Are You At Risk From Wildfire? (Wildland / Urban Interface Program)

Are You At Risk From Wildfire?
(Wildland / Urban Interface Program)