Perspective

The Northwest is one of the nation’s wildfire hot spots

May 31, 2020 by PEMCO Insurance

​The National Interagency Fire Center is out with its July and August wildfire predictions, and the Northwest appears to be the nation’s hot spot owing to our drier-than-normal April and warmer-than-usual forecasts through summer 2020.

Here are six low- or no-cost steps to take now that will give your home a fighting chance against the flames, especially if you live in a wildland-urban interface area:

  1. Keep grass mowed and watered within 30 feet of your home. Consider firebreaks as part of the landscape – gravel paths, ponds and driveways.
  2. Prune trees so the lowest branches are at least 15 feet high, and ensure no limbs come within 15 feet of your home. Eliminate "brush to branch" contact.
  3. Mulch with pumice or gravel rather than combustible beauty bark.
  4. Stack firewood at least 30 feet away and uphill from any structure (uphill, since that's the direction fire tends to burn). Clear a 10-foot area around propane tanks and barbecues.
  5. Ensure tree crowns are spaced at least 20 feet apart. Clear woody debris that can fuel a fire along the forest floor. (Before considering tree removal, check first for local or homeowners association restrictions.)
  6. Make your property firefighter-friendly with your address visible from the street both day and night. Widen your driveway to at least 12 feet so a fire truck can get through.

    Want to know more? Check out our wildfire resources with expert advice on everything from prevention to coping with wildfire smoke.

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