The Wildfire Secret

Most of us are familiar with fire. It's used for heat, cooking, light, and even making fertilizer. Small fires do not pose much of a threat to humans because they are (usually) under control and easy to put out. Wildfires, however, can be very dangerous for humans because they spread quickly, and are extremely difficult to extinguish. Sometimes, fires happen naturally; in homes, they are often accidents when candles are left burning or an appliance is not turned off; other times they are intentionally set. Arson is when a building is intentionally--and illegally--set on fire, or when a human starts an illegal, uncontrolled fire. Wildfires can be a result of this, but also happen naturally. They become natural disasters when property is destroyed and lives are lost because communities are not resilient to fires. We'll focus on some basic keys to wildfire resistance since wildfires can affect entire communities.

There is a simple secret to fighting wildfires and/or preventing them from consuming what is most precious to us. We know that fire needs oxygen, fuel, and heat to survive--otherwise known as the fire triangle. If you can eliminate one of these, you will be able to extinguish the fire. That's the secret. Now, obviously, there will be things working against you such as wind and topography. But knowing this secret allows you to figure out what needs to be done in order to slow the fire's progress. 

But there are times when the fire cannot be contained and it quickly moves toward a community. There are two main ways for communities to be resilient when faced with a fire hazard. They can evacuate as soon as possible if the houses and structures are not fire safe, or they can build fire safe communities. The only issue is that it may be more expensive for communities to do this; thus, the best option would be to prepare a kit of essentials and evacuate. As always, communities need to be prepared for the worst.

For those who do choose to construct fire safe homes and areas for themselves, here is a crucial no-no list to keep in mind.

1. Do not build houses and/or structures out of wood.

2. Do not build on slopes.

3. Do not have overhanging decks or roofs. 

4. Do not store firewood near house/structure.

5. Do not have combustibles near house/structure.

6. Do not build in areas that would provide difficulty for firetrucks. 

There are a few others, but this would be a good start.

Whether or not fire safe rules are followed, make sure that your community understands why fires happen, where they happen, what causes them to spread, and how to extinguish them. This will build resilience and minimize loss if a wildfire, or any other fire, were to become a natural disaster. 

And remember the secret but share it with everyone!