Residential Tree Services - Fire Safety

The following checklist and guidelines will help you prepare for fire safety, evacuation and home defense. Use it as a guide to enhance home-site safety.

For a free evaluation and customized vegetation management plan, contact Fine Tree Care for an appointment.

This is an annual checklist. Don't wait until a fire is approaching to perform these tasks.

1. Thin tree and brush cover.
2. Dispose of slash and debris left from thinning.
3. Remove dead limbs, leaves and other litter.
4. Stack firewood away from home.
5. Maintain irrigated greenbelt.
6. Mow dry grasses and weeds.
7. Prune branches to 10 feet above the ground.
8. Trim branches.
9. Clean roof and gutters.
10. Reduce density of surrounding forest.

Annual Fire Safety Checklist

• Thin trees and brush properly within the defensible space.
• Remove trash and debris from the defensible space.
• Remove any trees growing through the porch.
• Clear roof and gutters of leaves and debris.
• Remove branches overhanging chimney and roof.
• Stack firewood uphill or on a contour away from the home.
• Use noncombustible roof materials.
• Place shutters, fire curtains or heavy drapes on windows.
• Place screens on foundation and eave vents.
• Enclose sides of stilt foundations and decks.
• Use a chimney screen or spark arrester.
• Clear vegetation around fire hydrants, cisterns, propane tanks, etc.
• Make sure an outdoor water supply is available, with hose, nozzle and pump.
• Make sure fire tools, ladder and fire extinguishers are available.
• Post address signs that are clearly visible from the street or road.
• Make sure the driveway is wide enough for fire trucks and equipment.
• Post load limits on bridges.
• Install and test smoke detectors.
• Practice a family fire drill and evacuation plan.