Firefighters work with homeowners and developers to make homes less likely to burn.Firefighters and leaders at the South Carolina Forestry Commission urged homeowners to take steps to keep their homes safe from fire. The SC Forestry Commission said during the first few months of the year, wildfires are more likely to happen. They explain that doing all you can to prevent your home from catching on fire or damaging others is especially important now.
Fire departments, like Glassy Mountain Fire Department near Landrum, work with both developers and homeowners to take steps to keep safe. Fire Commissioner Dennis Geagin explained why the professionals are worried about the wildfire equation. He said there are three components of the fire environment that determine fire behavior; weather, topography and fuel. The only one people can control though, is the fuel.
That means taking steps like keeping your shrubs shorter and farther away from your home. Geagin suggests stationing your home at least 30 feet from the tree line. You can also look for flame retardant materials for your siding or roof.
"Fire spreads faster up a hill and in the direction of prevailing winds," said Geagin. He suggests building near rocks or a creek and having a cement driveway and avowing living at a cul de sac or at a dead end.
"There needs to be a way for us as firefighters to get to the fire and get away from it," he said.
Deciduous trees are desirable because their leaves fall off quicker. Pine trees are the least desirable according to the SC Forestry Commission and firefighters.
For more information visit your local fire department or the SC Forestry Commission web site.
