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Prevent Fire Damage in the Outdoors

By Jonathan Meyer
Published: December 28, 2005

The outdoors should be a part of your property protection plan. Do not overlook the patio, back yard, roof and garden when inspecting for fire hazards. These places are as important as the indoors especially since there are other factors that will affect fire behavior.

The Roof

Many home losses are a direct result of the roof catching fire. When building or replacing the roof, consider using non-combustible or fire resistant roofing materials, such as Class A shingles, metal, cement, or terra cotta tiles.

If your roof is not fire retardant it can be treated with fire retardant processes to reduce fire hazards and roof flammability.

Backyard Woods

If you store wood in your backyard, follow the basic fire safety rules to prevent the wood from catching fire and leading to a disaster. Remember: the way you maintain your wood can reduce the occurrence, size, and intensity of a fire.

Create a safety parameter around the wood. It is recommended to keep a 30 foot clearance around wood. A green lawn will make a good safety parameter, as long as clean of leaves, twigs, and other fire catching debris.

Trees and Plants

Some plants and trees are more fire resistant than others. It is recommended to plant such plants and trees in the safety parameter. Generally these plants are recommended to use on your property. For example, hardwood trees are more fire resistant than pine.

Remove dry leaves, dead limbs, twigs and debris as they may fuel a small fire leading to a more intense fire and to a potential disaster.

Thin out your trees to keep a 15 feet space between tree crowns. This will reduce the chance of fire spreading from tree. If you own high trees or cannot perform this job by yourself, hire a professional.

Remove limbs and dead branches from 6 to 10 feet of the ground to prevent fire from spreading from the ground to the trees. Keeping your trees trimmed will also help preventing trees from coming in contact with electricity wires.

Trees must be maintained and pruned especially near buildings, stovepipes and chimney outlets.

The BBQ Grill

The best way to maintain your grill is to keep it clean of dirt and debris build ups. It is recommended to clean the grill after every use and remove dust, and cobwebs.

Make sure that the hose is in good shape, and it is crack free. Propane or Natural Gas leaking from a cracked hose may send out a stream that if ignited can produce huge flames.

Avoid using rusty or damaged propane tanks. These must be replaced periodically to ensure safe use.

Smart Tips for Fire Damage Prevention in the Living Outdoors

• Use fire resistant roofing materials or treat your roof with fire retardant processes.
• Create a 30 feet safety parameter around wood stored in your backyard.
• Plant fire resistant trees and plants.
• Trim your trees periodically and keep a 15 feet space between crowns.
• Keep you BBQ grill clean and crack free.

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