SBC WILDFIRE ACTION PLAN INFORMATION

San Bernardino County Fire Department has produced a Wildfire Action Plan guide to help you successfully prepare for a wildfire.

It will give you guidance on protecting your home with fire-resistive features as well as helping you create the necessary defensible space around your home. Note that each home’s plan will be different, depending on their situation.

Wildfires are often fueled by dry vegetation and driven by hot, dry “Santa Ana” winds, making them extremely dangerous and impossible to control. Many residents have built their homes and landscaped without fully understanding the impact that a wildfire could have on them.

Click here for the Wildfire Action Plan guide.

Click here for the Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map ... if you would like to view your property on the State Fire Severity map.

Click here for Community Connect ... a program where you create a simple account with your address and emergency contact information along with info about your house …. Pets, special needs residents who may need help evacuating, gas, power shutoffs, propane tank location, management company contact if you have an Airbnb, and any other info that may help firefighters in the event that you’re not home an unable to get to the property.

HOME SITE AND YARD:

Ensure that you have enough defensible space (cleared vegetation) around your home. Note that more clearance may be needed for homes in severe hazard areas. This means determining the impact a common slope or a neighbor’s yard will have on your property during a wildfire.
Landscape with fire-resistant plants with high moisture content and are low-growing.
Keep woodpiles, propane tanks and combustible materials away from your home and other structures, such as garages, barns, and sheds.
Ensure that trees are far away from power lines and branches away from the home.

VENTS:

Make sure that vents on homes are sealed as they are particularly vulnerable to flying embers.
Vent openings should be covered with 1⁄8-inch or smaller metal mesh. Do not use fiberglass or plastic mesh because they can melt and burn. Attic vents in eaves or cornices should be baffled or otherwise prevent ember intrusion (mesh is not enough).

WINDOWS:

Heat from a wildfire can cause windows to break even before the home ignites. This allows burning embers to enter and start internal fires.
Single-paned and large windows are particularly vulnerable. When possible use dual-paned tempered glass windows to reduce the chance of breakage in a fire.

GARAGE:

Have a fire extinguisher and tools such as a shovel, rake, bucket, and hoe available for fire emergencies.
Install a solid door with self-closing hinges between living areas and the garage. Install weather stripping around and under the doors to prevent ember intrusion.
Store all combustibles and flammable liquids away from ignition sources.

If you would like more information about fire hardening your own home, or would be interested in attending a presentation by our Local Fire Chief, please reach out to Jacqui at ... mmna.FirePrevention@gmail.com.