How to Prepare for a Wildfire. Here’s What you Need to Know

Create Defensible Space 

Lean, Clean and Green Zone 
A defensible space of 100 feet around your home is required by law.  Clearing an area 30 feet immediately surrounding your home is critical. Remove flammable vegetation. 

Reduced Fuel Zone in the remaining 70 feet. 
Spacing between plants and treesimproves the chance of stopping a wildfire before it destroys your home.

Remove plants and small trees beneath trees. 
These plants act like a ladder allowing the fire to climb into the trees.

Remove tree branches at least 6 feet off the ground. 
This will prevent small ground fires from jumping into the trees.

Move wood piles at least 30 feet from all structures or cover with a fire safe tarp. 
Fires that get into these piles are difficult or impossible to stop the spread of fire to the home. Fire safe tarps are available for purchase at Mountain Hardware.  http://mountainhardwareandsports.com/

Remove pine needles off of your roof. 
Embers get into these pine needles and can burn down your house.

Cut the Grass. 
These light fuels allow a fire to spread very quickly.

Go to http://www.readyforwildfire.org/for a self-inspection form and more detail.

Dispose of Vegetation

Free Drop-off days May 14, June 4 and June 25th
Drop of vegetation at the Rodeo Grounds in Truckee for FREE 8-2pm
Self-Haul to Eastern Regional Landfill
Drop-off up to 6-yards of yard waste for free.
Defensible Space Rebate Program 
They will reimburse you the cost of a green waste dumpster rental
https://www.truckeefire.org/defensible-space-rebate-program

Harden your Home

Roof
The roof is the most vulnerable part of your home. Homes with wood or shingle roofs are at high risk of being destroyed during a wildfire. Build your roof or re-roof with materials such as composition, metal or tile. Block any spaces between roof decking and covering to prevent embers from catching.

Vents
Vents on homes create openings for flying embers. Cover all vent openings with 1/8-inch to 1/4-inch metal mesh. Do not use fiberglass or plastic mesh because they can melt and burn. Protect vents in eaves or cornices with baffles to block embers (mesh is not enough).

Eaves and Soffits
Eaves and soffits should be protected with ignition-resistant* or non-combustible materials.

Learn more by visiting http://www.readyforwildfire.org/Hardening-Your-Home/

Yard Debris Burning

Residential debris burning of small piles is approved for a few more weeks. Get your permit online https://burnpermit.fire.ca.gov/

Campfire and Charcoal Ban (Coming Soon)

95% of wildfires are started by humans, with campfires being a significant cause. To prevent this potential threat to our community, all backyard type campfires using wood or charcoal will be banned in the Truckee area and the entire Tahoe region starting typically in June to November..

*Designated campgrounds are exempt.

*Gas bbq’s and Gas firepits are allowed. 

**Please note** The ban will NOT go into effect until CalFire suspends residential debris burning sometime typically in June. The ban will continue during fire season, which usually runs through November.

Report illegal campfires by calling 911.

Learn more by visiting https://www.truckeefire.org/fire-ban

Thanks for doing your part to keep our community fire safe!