The Dangers of Flying Embers in Wildfire Season in Apple Valley?
8/13/2024 (Permalink)
Apple Valley residents rely on our local Hesperia/Apple Valley, Barstow/Twentynine Palms, and Victorville teams for fire damage restoration services. Flying embers from wildfires represent a significant and often underestimated danger. The wind can carry these burning pieces of debris over vast distances, sometimes up to a mile away from the original fire. This ability allows embers to start new fires far from the initial blaze, challenging firefighting efforts and increasing the risk to properties and lives.
To protect your home, start with the roof: it's the most vulnerable part of your building. Use fire-resistant materials, such as Class A asphalt shingles, clay tiles, or metal roofing. Clear gutters and roofs of leaves, pine needles, and other debris that could catch embers.
Creating a defensible space around your home is also critical. This involves removing flammable vegetation and materials within 30 feet of your house and reducing fuel sources in areas up to 100 feet away. Use non-flammable landscaping materials, and choose plants less likely to ignite.
Additionally, consider installing ember-resistant vents or screens in attics, eaves, and crawl spaces to prevent embers from entering these vulnerable areas of your home. Regular inspections and exterior property maintenance can significantly reduce the risk of ember-induced fires.
Call Us Today!
When you home or commercial business has fire damage, our local Hesperia/Apple Valley and Barstow/Twentynine Palms, Victorville teams are Here to Help. ® Call us today at 760-244-2566.
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