In a wooded mountain setting like Big Pole Estates, fire safety is important all year. The vegetation that makes the area attractive through the summer and fall can also make it dangerous unless everyone is sensitive to fire risks – especially during summer months. A few years ago, we made a concerted effort to remove dead scrub oak and other materials to reduce our fire risks. We worked with the State and County Fire Protection Agencies and received matching grant money (equivalent labor) to finish the project. During our joint efforts, we learned a lot about preventing devastating fires and protecting our homes.
We have adopted several policies within the subdivision to enhance our fire safety program. These include:
- Absolutely no open fires at any time including during construction of new homes. Construction debris must be hauled off-site for disposal.
- No fireworks at any time. A few minutes of fun can turn ugly and cost lives and significant property damage. Residents are encouraged to participate in local professionally organized fireworks celebrations.
- For new construction, fireplaces should be natural gas fueled. This eliminates the risk of sparks from wood burning stoves and fireplaces.
- Fire pits cannot be wood fueled. Fire pits are permitted if they are fueled by natural gas or propane and have a 15-foot radial clearance from the edge of the pit to combustible materials.
- Clear your property of dead wood and brush. The Gambel Oak or scrub oak often has dead branches that add to the fuel load should a fire break out. Reducing the fuel load reduces the risk and enhances the opportunity for fire crews to put out a blaze.
One of the major things we all learned is that a “Defensible Space” around each of our homes is key to preserving property if a wildland fire is started. The Defensible Space boils down to a minimum 30 ft radius around the home that is essentially free of combustible materials. More information on fire safety can be found here.