Wildfires pose a significant threat to homes, properties, and lives in Fire District 3 and beyond. As a community, we must work together to implement proactive measures in wildfire safety and preparedness. By staying informed on the latest wildfire safety recommendations and taking steps to mitigate risks around our homes and neighborhoods, we can protect our loved ones, assets, and the environment from the devastating impact of wildfires.

In this informative guide, we will delve into practical strategies and tips for wildfire safety and preparedness. We will cover key aspects such as creating defensible space around your home, choosing fire-resistant landscaping and building materials, and assembling a go-bag in the event of an evacuation. Additionally, we will discuss the importance of staying informed and alert during wildfire seasons and collaborating with community members to promote fire safety awareness.

1. Creating Defensible Space Around Your Home

Developing a buffer zone around your property is an effective method to slow or halt the spread of wildfires:

• Zone 1: Immediate Home Surroundings (0-30 feet): Remove flammable materials, including dead vegetation, pine needles, and leaves from decks, roofs, and gutters. Trim tree branches that overhang or are near your home and ensure clearance beneath trees to reduce the risk of fire reaching tree canopies.
• Zone 2: Intermediate Zone (30-100 feet): Maintain proper spacing between trees and shrubs and keep the area free of dead and dry vegetation. Cut grass to a height of 4 inches or less.
• Zone 3: Extended Zone (100-200 feet): For homes in heavily wooded areas, thin out trees to create a minimum distance of 10-20 feet between tree crowns. Remove all ladder fuels – vegetation that can allow fire to climb up from the ground to tree canopies.

2. Fire-Resistant Landscaping and Building Materials

Choose fire-resistant landscaping options and building materials to reduce the risk of wildfire damage:

• Fire-Resistant Plant Selection: Plant fire-resistant vegetation, such as succulents or low-growing ground covers, around your home. Avoid using highly flammable plants like junipers or pines in your landscape design.
• Fire-Resistant Building Materials: Utilize fire-resistant roofing materials, such as metal, tile, or Class A-rated shingles. Consider upgrading siding with fire-resistant materials like stucco, brick, or fiber cement.
• Hardening Your Home: Incorporate fire-resistant features in your home, such as double-pane windows, boxed eaves, and fire-resistant vents to minimize the risk of fire intrusion.

3. Emergency Preparedness and Evacuation Planning

Be ready for potential evacuations by developing a comprehensive plan and assembling essential supplies:

• Emergency Supply Kit: Put together a go-bag stocked with necessary items like medications, important documents, food, water, first aid supplies, clothing, and a battery-operated radio.
• Evacuation Plan: Create a family evacuation plan with multiple routes away from your home, knowing the location of emergency shelters, and ensuring all family members are aware of the plan.
• Stay Informed: Listen to local weather stations or emergency alerts and follow the advice of emergency officials if they advise you to evacuate.
• Family Communication Plan: Develop a communication plan to maintain contact with family members during emergencies, particularly in situations where you may be separated due to evacuation.

4. Collaborating with Community Members for Wildfire Preparedness

Join forces with neighbors and community organizations to enhance wildfire safety in your area:

• Local Firewise Communities: Participate in local Firewise Communities programs, which focus on promoting wildfire safety and reducing risk to homes and neighborhoods.
• Neighborhood Wildfire Preparedness: Collaborate with your neighbors to create a shared plan for wildfire preparedness, addressing community-wide defensible spaces, and emergency planning.
• Community Education: Attend or organize community events to raise awareness about wildfire safety, share information, and learn from local experts and firefighters.

Staying Proactive for a Fire-Resilient Community

Wildfire safety and preparedness are crucial factors for ensuring the well-being of our community in Fire District 3. By creating defensible spaces around our homes, incorporating fire-resistant landscaping and building materials, preparing for potential evacuations, and collaborating with neighbors and community organizations, we can significantly reduce the risk of wildfire damage and loss.

As we work together to safeguard our homes, families, and the broader community against the threats of wildfire, the Board of Fire Commissioners, Fire District 3, Township of Old Bridge, contribute to a more secure and fire-resilient future for all. Let's continue striving for a proactive approach to wildfire safety and preparedness, ensuring that every community member in Fire District 3 is equipped with the knowledge and resources to protect themselves and the environment!