# Presentation: EQE3GOOCKPLB6X63EX4Y37PPUWYWAAK7

##                                  Fred X. Turck
	                        Assistant Director                                     		              Resource Protection Division      	                          Virginia Department of Forestry

**                                 ****Fred X. Turck**
**	****                        ****Assistant Director                                     ****	****	****              Resource Protection Division      ****	****                          Virginia Department of Forestry**

## You can no more get to where you don’t know where you’re going, than you got to where you think you are, from where you don’t know where you’ve been. 

## How we define Wildland Urban Interface 

**The area where human development meets and/or intermingles with undeveloped wildland.**** ****Where individual and community values may be threatened by a wildfire.**
**Values such as**
**Personal property**
**Watersheds**
**Wildlife habitat**
**Recreation**
**Economic development**
**Public health**
**Land stewardship/emotional connectedness to the land**

## 100 Fastest Growing US Counties 

|  | Change, 2000 to 2004 |  |
| --- | --- | --- |
|  | Number | Percent |
| 1. Loudoun County, VA | 69,557 | 41.0 |
| 20. Stafford County, VA | 22,335 | 24.2 |
| 24. Spotsylvania County, VA | 21,455 | 23.7 |
| 45. Suffolk City, VA | 12,909 | 20.3 |
| 48. Prince William County, VA | 55,773 | 19.9 |
| 69. Fluvanna County, VA | 3,597 | 17.9 |
| 80. Culpeper County, VA | 5,930 | 17.3 |

**                                                                     ****U. S. Census Bureau – Census 2000**

## Percent Change in Population

**Percent Change in Population**

## WUI in Virginia

**Notes:**
Lot of issues – I would to focus on one of the more prominent ones – wildfire/emergency response
Influence of mostly private ownership patterns resulting in a more broken landscape with smaller blocks of contiguous forested blocks. 
Well managed NIPF land ownerships with varied management goals along with higher population densities create a wider mosaic of stand types and age classes which tend to limit potential wildfire sizes vs. the western US with the larger ownership patterns of government lands.
In the South – southern state forestry agencies are responsible for wildland fire protection on 94% of the total land area.

## Slide 8

## Virginia’s Woodland Homes

- ?

## 1/29/1955 Hull Street RT 288

## 2/18/1965

**2/18/1965**

## 6/12/1972

**6/12/1972**

## 2/7/1988 

**1994**

**2007**

**Forest Fragmentation**

**Notes:**
Looks like a great patch of unbroken forest - serving all the uses we believe forests are important for. 

## Forest Fragmentation

**Forest Fragmentation**

**Notes:**
77% of Virginia privately-owned
“Hidden” effect(s) of population expansion
Subtle resource loss
Property owners do have significant rights to do as they please - only want to demonstrate impact

## A Wildfire Risk ?  

**This is VIRGINIA****not California !**
- Many Virginians are generally unaware that wildfire poses a real threat to their forest land, their homes and themselves.

## Wildfire in Virginia

- 1,200+ wildfires per year
- 10,000+ acres burned per year
- Most wildfires in Virginia are kept small due to rapid response by Fire Departments working cooperatively with the Department of Forestry.

**Notes:**
What is a wildfire?
Wildfire is any unwanted or unplanned fire burning in forests, shrubs, or grasses.  

Wildfire is one of the most destructive natural forces known to mankind.

Wildfire doesn’t care if your dream home is in it’s path.

## Virginia Statistics

|  |  |
| --- | --- |
| Year | Number |
| 2000 | 178 |
| 2001 | 121 |
| 2002 | 50 |
| 2003 | 22 |
| 2004 | 56 |
| 2005 | 27 |

**                          ****62**
**                          ****44 **

**2008****	****	****        66**

_**Homes/Structures Damaged or Destroyed by Wildfire**_

**One structure **
**(home, garage, barn etc) is threatened for every 6 acres burned.**

**Notes:**
2004 and 2005 numbers !!!!!!

## 2008

- 16 homes damaged or destroyed
- 50 other structures damaged
- 1,325 fires
- 25,709 acres burned*
- 			 * 2/10/08    335 fires for 16,000 acres

**1:23**

- $1.5 million structure   $13.25 million timber   $873,500.00 suppression costs

## $1,021,037,913.00

**$1,021,037,913.00**

- Value of homes "protected"
- 1998-2008

## Where there are people, there is fire!

**95% of all wildfires are started by people**
**Top fire causes in Virginia**
**Escaped Debris Burning**
**Arson**

**Notes:**
Most wildfires in the East are started by people.
Most wildfires in the West are started from lightning.

Therefore, Smokey Bear’s message, to prevent unwanted human-caused wildfires, in appropriate in Virginia!

We also have a Spring Burning Law.

## Slide 25

## How a firefighter sees a woodland home

**How a firefighter sees a woodland home**

**Defendable**

**Non-defendable**

**Notes:**

“Defendable” or “Non-defendable”
“Winner” or “Loser”

## Why are Woodland Homes at Risk?

**Why are Woodland Homes at Risk?**

** ****Vegetation**
**  ****Structure**
**  ****Location**

**Notes:**
Why are woodland homes at risk?

A home in the woods is a home surrounded by forest fuels.  If fire occur, it can easily jump from burning vegetation to nearby homes.  

## The Home Ignition Zone

**KEY CONSIDERATIONS**
**It’s what happens in the **_**home ignitability/ignition zone**_** that’s important**
**If it’s connected to the structure, it’s part of the structure**
**Little things matter in defending against firebrands**

**Notes:**
Review the assessment process

Start wide general Statewide analysis, then focus down to areas like Princeton-Zimmerman-Big Lake

**Home Ignition Zone**

**Ignition**
**Potential ?**

## Home Wildfire Hazard 

*    **(0 to 10) ***LOW FIRE RISK*** *The chances of your home surviving a wildfire are GOOD. There’s not much you need to do but keep up the good work!*(11 to 20) ***MODERATE FIRE RISK*** *The chances of your home surviving a wildfire are FAIR. Minor improvements will make it even more fire resistant.
*    **(21 to 40) ***HIGH FIRE RISK*** *The chances of your home surviving a wildfire are NOT GOOD. Many improvements are necessary to improve your situation.
*    **(over 40) ***EXTREME FIRE RISK*** *Your home MAY NOT SURVIVE if a wildfire passes through the area. Take a serious look at your property and make improvements to prevent a possible major loss.

## Slide 31

**Notes:**
Note how the intensity of the fire increases as it comes in contact with the landscaping plants adjacent to the house.  Also note the direct flame impingement on the corner of the house,

## Slide 32

**Notes:**
Note that the firefighters have arrived, but it is too late.

The house was ignited by a fire brand that landed on the roof.  It set the roof on fire.  The fire melted through the plastic skylight and set the inside of the house on fire.

The single brush truck that arrived soon ran out of water and could not put out the fire inside the house.

## Slide 33

**Notes:**
The structure is fully involved.

The firefighter were almost trapped when the forest fire approached the driveway, and they had to make a hasty retreat.

## Forest management outside the zone may limit damage to the forest, but the home is still threatened.

**Wildland fuel reduction**

**Wildland fuel reduction**

**Notes:**
Wildland fuel reduction beyond the home ignition zone does not necessarily change home ignitability; therefore, wildland fuel reduction does not necessarily mitigate the WUI fire loss problem.
If home ignitability is not considered for reducing WUI fire losses, extensive wildland fuel reduction must eliminate a home’s exposure to flames and particularly to firebrands. 
Wildland fuel reduction that is effective for reducing wildland fire intensity might be insufficient for reducing the destruction of highly ignitable homes. 

## Fuel mitigation treatments AND structure modifications in the zone will provide better protection to a home in a wildfire.

- Fuel mitigation treatments AND structure modifications in the *zone* will provide better protection to a home in a wildfire.

- Wildland fuel reduction

- Wildland fuel reduction

**Notes:**
In contrast, a low home ignition potential reduces the chances of fire destruction without extensive wildland fuel reduction.
The WUI home fire loss problem is a home ignitability issue that is largely independent of landscape fuel reduction issues. 

## A typical large wildfire in Virginia, started by careless debris burning.

**A typical large wildfire in Virginia, started by careless debris burning.**

## How do woodland homes ignite?

**Directly...                          by the fire itself**

**Indirectly...                    by fire brands**

**How do woodland homes ignite?**

**Notes:**
How Woodland Homes Ignite

When a forest fire is approaching a home, it can ignite the home in one of two ways. The first, and more common way is indirectly.  When the fire front is still a distance away, burning embers or firebrands can be carried by the wind, landing on roofs or collecting in low points around the home, such as under decking and adjacent landscape vegetation.  

Embers can be released by burning vegetation and homes and in one example are known to have traveled two or more miles, before causing a spot fire on a roof in Virginia.  Embers can also be drawn into an attic if there are open eaves, or through open unscreened windows and vents.

The second way a forest fire can ignite a home is directly by flames from nearby trees and shrubs, or a neighbor’s house.  When a fire is close enough, its heat will cause combustible materials, like decks, sidings, fences and roofs to ignite.  It will also melt any plastics.

## Firewise Landscaping creates or changes the vegetation around a woodland home to improve fire protection and prepares your property or community in the event of a wildfire.

**What is ****Firewise Landscaping?**

## Firewise Landscaping

- The Concepts:
- 30-100 feet wide safety zone
- Minimize the amount of “fuel”
- Eliminate the opportunity for flames to come in direct contact with homes or other structures
- Prevent plant-to-plant spread of fire
- Use fire-resistant mulches and ground covers
- Use fire resistant plants

**Notes:**
Firewise Landscape Design & Maintenance 
A home in a woodland setting is surrounded by flammable vegetation.  Firewise landscaping can help create a defensible space or safety zone around a home.  This not only helps keep fire from approaching a home, but it provides a safe space for firefighters to work in.  
The goal is to “break the chain” of fuel between homes and natural vegetation, eliminating things that can catch fire and carry it to the house.  Remember that proper landscaping is important, but the type of building materials used for the house is still the most important element of survival.

## Defensible Space

- Should be at least 30’ wide  100’ on steep slopes
- Minimizes “fuel” between house and surrounding forest
- Provides a safe area for firefighters to work
- Can help a house to stand alone and survive an approaching wildfire if firefighter do not arrive in time.

**Notes:**
where plants and trees are located in a yard should be carefully planned. The arrangement, spacing and density can be more crucial than what is planted.
Proper maintenance is also vital to remove excess debris and help plants retain their fire resistive properties.  Pruning and shaping can increase a plant’s fire resistance.  Lack of maintenance can make it more flammable.
Remove limbs overhanging chimneys and the roof.

## The Zone Concept 

_**Zone 1**_** ******** 5-10’ from the house**
- Prevent direct flame contact
_**Zone 2**_** ******** 10-30’ from the house**
- Stop fire spread
_**Zone 3**_** ******** 30-100’ from the house**
- Slow down or stop fire
_**Zone 4**_** ******** the surrounding area**
- Minimize the intensity of an approaching fire

**Notes:**
reduce the amount of material that a fire can use as fuel for a distance of at least 30 feet around the home (75 feet if in a pine forest).  As the slope of the lot increases, additional clearance of up to 100 feet may be necessary.  Steep slopes can be terraced to slow down forest fires.
Remove highly flammable species, such as juniper, cedar, and pines.

## QUESTION ONE: WHAT IS DEFENSIBLE SPACE?

- Defensible space refers to that area between a house and an oncoming wildfire where the vegetation has been modified to reduce the wildfire threat and which provides an opportunity for fire fighters to effectively defend the house or for the structure to defend itself.

## QUESTION TWO: WHAT IS THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN VEGETATION AND WILDFIRE THREAT? 

- Many people do not view the plants growing on their property as a threat. But in terms of wildfire, what is growing adjacent to their homes can have considerable influence upon the survivability of their houses.
- All vegetation, including naturally occurring native plants and ornamental plants in the residential landscape, is potential wildfire fuel.

## QUESTION TWO: WHAT IS THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN VEGETATION AND WILDFIRE THREAT? 

- If the vegetation is properly modified and maintained, a wildfire can be slowed down, the length of flames shortened, and the amount of heat reduced, all of which contribute to a house surviving a wildfire.

## QUESTION TWO continued: WHAT IS THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN VEGETATION AND WILDFIRE THREAT? 

- The key is to reduce fire intensity as a wildfire nears the house.
- This can be accomplished by reducing the amount of flammable vegetation surrounding a home.

## QUESTION THREE: WHY IS DEFENSIBLE SPACE NECESSARY? WON'T THE FIRE DEPARTMENT PROTECT MY HOUSE?

- Some individuals incorrectly assume that a fire truck will be parked in their driveway and fire fighters will be actively defending their homes if a wildfire approaches.
-  During a major wildfire, it is unlikely that there will be fire fighting resources available to defend every home.
- Even with adequate resources,                 some wildfires may be so                     intense that there may be little                  that fire fighters can do to                    prevent a house from burning.

## QUESTION FOUR: DOES DEFENSIBLE SPACE REQUIRE A LOT OF BARE GROUND AROUND A HOUSE? 

- No. While bare ground would certainly provide an effective defensible space, it is not necessary and looks bad. Bare ground may also cause soil to erode.

- Many homes have yards that are both effective defensible spaces and attractive landscapes with little or no bare ground.

## QUESTION FIVE: DOES CREATING A DEFENSIBLE SPACE REQUIRE ANY SPECIAL SKILLS OR EQUIPMENT? 

- No. For the most part, creating a defensible space employs routine gardening and landscape maintenance practices such as pruning, mowing, weeding, plant removal, appropriate plant selection, and irrigation.
- The necessary equipment consists of common tools like a chain saw, pruning saw, pruning shears, loppers, weed-eater, shovel, and a rake.

## QUESTION SIX: HOW BIG IS AN EFFECTIVE DEFENSIBLE SPACE?

- Defensible space size is usually expressed as the distance from the house in which vegetation is managed to reduce the wildfire threat.
- The necessary distance for an effective defensible is not the same for everyone, but varies by slope and type of native vegetation growing near the house.
- If your recommended distance exceeds your property boundaries, contact the adjacent property owner and try to work cooperatively on creating a defensible space.
-  The effectiveness of defensible space increases when multiple property owners work together.

## 
Within the recommended defensible space distance, conduct the following activities:
 Remove dead vegetation (i.e., dead trees and shrubs, dried grass and flowers, dead branches, fallen leaves, etc.).
 Remove lower branches from mature trees to a height of eight feet from ground level. 
Also, remove small trees and shrubs growing under mature trees.
 Remove tree branches within 15 feet of a chimney or stove pipe. 
Keep vegetation clear of power lines and decks.

- Within the recommended defensible space distance, conduct the following activities:
-  Remove dead vegetation (i.e., dead trees and shrubs, dried grass and flowers, dead branches, fallen leaves, etc.).
-  Remove lower branches from mature trees to a height of eight feet from ground level.
- Also, remove small trees and shrubs growing under mature trees.
-  Remove tree branches within 15 feet of a chimney or stove pipe.
- Keep vegetation clear of power lines and decks.

**QUESTION SEVEN: WHAT SHOULD I DO TO MAKE MY PROPERTY DEFENSIBLE?**

## QUESTION SEVEN: WHAT SHOULD I DO TO MAKE MY PROPERTY DEFENSIBLE?

-  Remove the majority of shrubs and trees within 30 feet of the house.
- Retaining a few well maintained native shrubs and trees within the 30 feet is acceptable.
- Avoid leaving trees/shrubs in front of large windows and adjacent to decks.
- Beyond 30 feet, remove native shrubs to provide a separation between shrubs of approximately three times the shrub height (i.e., if shrub height is 2 feet, then 3 x 2 feet = 6 feet separation).

## QUESTION SEVEN: WHAT SHOULD I DO TO MAKE MY PROPERTY DEFENSIBLE?

- Selecting plants for use in the defensible space should emphasize:
- herbaceous plants (i.e., non woody plants such as turf grass, perennial and annual flowers, etc.) over shrubs and trees.
- shorter growing plants over taller plants.
- deciduous plants over evergreens
- Avoid extensive plantings of coniferous plants (e.g., junipers, pines, and spruce).

- More in a moment

## QUESTION EIGHT: DOES HAVING AN EFFECTIVE DEFENSIBLE SPACE MAKE A DIFFERENCE?

- Yes. Investigations of homes threatened by wildfire indicate that houses with an effective defensible space are much more likely to survive a wildfire.
- Furthermore, homes with both an effective defensible space and a nonflammable roof (e.g., composition shingles, tile, metal, etc.) are many more times likely to survive a wildfire than those without a defensible space and flammable roofs. wood shakes or shingles.

## QUESTION NINE: DOES HAVING A DEFENSIBLE SPACE GUARANTEE MY HOUSE WILL SURVIVE A WILDFIRE? 

- No. Under extreme conditions, almost any house can burn.
- But having a defensible space will significantly improve the odds of your home surviving a wildfire.

## QUESTION TEN: WHY DOESN'T EVERYONE LIVING IN A HIGH WILDFIRE HAZARD AREA CREATE  A DEFENSIBLE SPACE?

- The specific reasons for not creating a defensible space are varied. Some individuals believe that "it won't happen to me". Others think the costs (i.e., time, money, effort, etc.) outweigh the benefits (i.e., improved protection for property).
- But some have failed to implement defensible space practices because of lack of knowledge or misconceptions.

## Selecting and Maintaining Firewise Plants for Landscaping

**All vegetation, naturally occurring and otherwise, is potential fuel for fire. Its type, amount and arrangement has a dramatic effect on fire behavior. There are no truly "fireproof" plant species, so plant choice, spacing and maintenance are critical to defensible space landscaping. In fact, where and how you plant may be more important than what you plant. However, given alternatives, choose plant species that tend to be more resistant to wildfire.**

## Introduction

**Selecting landscape plants based on their flammability can be challenging.**
**Few existing plant guides list firewise plants or rank plants by their flammability.**
**However, by considering several key plant characteristics we can make an informed decision about which plants to select.**

## What Plant Parts ‘Fuel’ the Fire?

**Plants (vegetation) are the primary fuel during wildfires, both living and dead plant material will burn.**
**When comparing the flammability of different plants, one should first consider the leaves and small branches.**
**The most important characteristics of light fuels that influence their flammability are:**

## The amount of water in the leaf, or its moisture content.

**The moisture content of leaves varies significantly by season, as well as by local weather and site conditions, such as air humidity and soil moisture, but**
**differences also exist between plant species growing under the same conditions. Plants that have thick, succulent leaves, such as cacti, aloe and century plants, generally maintain high leaf moisture content, even during droughts, and thus have a low flammability. M**
**Most living leaves are at least 50% water by weight. When exposed to heat or a flame, a leaf will not catch fire until most of its water is lost (primarily through**
**evaporation). Therefore, leaves with the highest moisture content generally take the longest to ignite.**

## The size and shape of leaves.

## The presence of oils, resins (tree sap), waxes, or other chemicals in leaves or branches.

## Whole-Plant Flammabitity

- The overall flammability of a plant is dependent on the relative flammability of its leaves and branches, and how they are arranged.
- Shrubs and trees differ in their flammability based on several characteristics.

## Branching Patterns

## Deciduous vs. Evergreen

## Retention of dead leaves and branches.

## Vertical and Horizontal separation.

## Planting the right plant in the right place.

## Plant Arrangement within the Landscaped Area ... and Beyond.

- Similar to individual plants, the flammability of groups of landscaped plants is influenced significantly by their vertical and horizontal arrangement.
- To discuss how plant arrangement influences the overall flammability, it is useful to first discuss general differences between broad categories of plants.

## Grasses

## Shrubs

## Trees

## Flowers

## Routine Maintenance is Essential !

- Maintain vertical and horizontal separation.
- Prune trees and shrubs periodically.
- Remove dead leaves and branches.
- Remove dead annual plants.
- Water plants adequately.

## Slide 76

**Notes:**
Example of good defensible space

## Slide 77

**Notes:**
Example of good defensible space

## Slide 78

**Notes:**
Example of good defensible space

## Summary

- High moisture content.
- Broad and thick leaves.
- Low chemical content.
- Open and loose branching patterns.
- Deciduousness.
- Low amounts of dead material.

## 4 R’s

- RISK
- RESPONSIBILITY
- REWARDS
- RESPECT

## Slide 81

## There will always be coast.... Costs of landscaping, costs of improvements...
Balance these against the cost of replacing your home, your belongings, your memories. So in the grand scheme of things the costs of being firewise far outweigh the cost of not!

**Balance these against the cost of replacing your home, your belongings, your memories. So in the grand scheme of things the costs of being firewise far outweigh the cost of not!**

## Learn ways to PREPARE your home and PROTECT your family and pets. Take action now to make your home safer from the effects of a destructive wildfire.

- Your House Can't
- Stop Drop and Roll !

-      Is Your House Firewise ?                                               Are You Firewise?
**Learn ways to PREPARE your home and PROTECT your family and pets. Take action now to make your home safer from the effects of a destructive wildfire.**
- _[www.dof.virginia.gov](http://www.dof.virginia.govg/)_    _[www.firewisevirginia.org](http://www.firewisevirginia.org/)_     _[www.firewise.org](http://www.firewise.org/)_

- Additional Sites
- www.invasive.org
- Everything you always wanted to know ...

## So What is YOUR Responsibility?

- So What is YOUR Responsibility?

## How to add value to your landscape business promoting Firewise concepts
		The home landscaping you design and construct for your clients adds beauty, value and functionality to their property. It can also increase or reduce the chance of the structures on the property surviving a wildfire. 

Business opportunities
		Whether you are a landscape architect or a yard service there are opportunities where you can increase your revenue while providing a valuable service to your clients. As a designer, look for opportunities to implement Firewise landscaping into the overall design. Highlight this Firewise landscaping as a special feature of your design, to protect the home your client so highly values, while adding beauty and functionality to the property. As a yard maintenance professional, use the tips we discusses to identify fire prone situations on your client's property. Offer to mitigate these situations as an additional service.

- 		The home landscaping you design and construct for your clients adds beauty, value and functionality to their property. It can also increase or reduce the chance of the structures on the property surviving a wildfire.
**Business opportunities**
- 		Whether you are a landscape architect or a yard service there are opportunities where you can increase your revenue while providing a valuable service to your clients. As a designer, look for opportunities to implement Firewise landscaping into the overall design. Highlight this Firewise landscaping as a special feature of your design, to protect the home your client so highly values, while adding beauty and functionality to the property. As a yard maintenance professional, use the tips we discusses to identify fire prone situations on your client's property. Offer to mitigate these situations as an additional service.

## Questions ?

## Bad Situation

**911 Call:**
**“****There’s a  fire in the woods behind my house”**

**Fire **
**  ****in **
**	**** ****the **
**	****	****woods!**

**FIRE!**

## Only Got Worse