NPR published this important article on why clearing chaparral actually *increases* wildfire danger. Instead, clear the vegetation from your home between the zero to 5 feet increasing your chances of surviving a wildfire.
This solid Los Angeles Times article talks about ways to survive wildfires… it isn’t clearing vegetation per se, it also includes having safe places for people to go during a wildfire (like a community green space) and hardening your home. This is especially important if you cannot escape a firestorm and become trapped, like the residents in Paradise. View the Los Angeles Times article.
There are quite a few helpful tips for homeowners on how to harden your home, including suggestions on: roof tops, windows, vegetation, gutters, decks, chimneys, fencing, etc. Brush clearance helps, but hardening your home provides fewer places for embers to intrude and catch your home on fire. “The state is trying to pull away from the term ‘brush clearance’ and change the mind-set,” says Assistant Chief J. Lopez. “Clearing brush is going to help, but that puts the blame on … Read More