Firewise
Crystal Park homes are located in a wildland-urban interface that is at "extreme risk". Homes built adjacent to vegetated areas in steep terrain are particularly susceptible to wildland fire.
When adequately prepared, a house may withstand a wildland fire. Preventive measures are the key to protecting a home during the crucial minutes
it takes wildfire to pass.
Wildfire! Preventing Home Ignitions YouTube video worth watching.
50 Things You Can Do to Protect Your Home From free to minimal, moderate and high cost actions you can take to increase your home's chances!
Defensible Space
Create defensible space around your home: Firefighters will not put their own safety at risk if there is no way to defend your home from a threatening wildland fire. An area free of flammable materials, dry brush and trees should extend 30' feet from the structure (including decks). Contact the CP Forestry Committee if you feel that necessary defensible space extends beyond your property line.
Free Firewise Assessments CPFD will provide free Firewise assessments for your home. Simply contact CPFD Chief to set up an appointment.
Creating Wildfire Defensible Zones in Crystal Park This document was created post-Waldo Canyon and is specific to the topography, fuels and climate of Crystal Park.
Prepare Your House for Fire Season
Multiple large trees within the defensible space area should be trimmed so the tops are not touching. Tree clusters may be allowed if significant clear area around the cluster is provided.
Remove all "ladder fuels" including small trees around the base of larger trees you want to keep in your landscape.
Tree branches shall not extend over or under roof eaves and shall not be within fifteen (15) feet of a wood burning chimney.
Remove dead, diseased and weakened trees. Lower tree branches should be pruned to three times the height of any underlying shrubs or grass.
Remove pine needles, leaves and debris from the ground and in-between brush and trees. Roofs and gutters must also be kept clean from these materials.
Keep grass and weeds mowed to a maximum height of 4 inches. Fire spreads rapidly in dry grass and weeds.
Promptly dispose of leaves, branches and other debris. Do not use the area under decks for storage.
Store firewood at least 15' away from the house and decks.
Install spark arresters over chimneys.
Incorporate fire/fuel breaks in your landscaping. These include stone or concrete patios, ponds, rock paths and sidewalks.
Your House: Decks, Roofing, Siding and Windows
Wood decks and siding can be protected with Barricade Gel when a wildfire threatens. Order directly or contact the fire department to see if there is a large order planned.
Roofs are an extremely vulnerable part of a house during a wildfire. Metal, concrete, tile and slate roofs are the best; otherwise, make sure that your roof meets local standards for fire. Time to updgrade all wood shingle roofs!!
Stucco siding can be applied over wood siding to good effect. Make sure that embers cannot find holes and crevices that give them access to wood.
Vinyl windows can melt, causing the glass to fall out, allowing embers to enter the home. Metal framed windows are best. Double or triple-paned glass is better than single pane glass.
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