The combination of drought conditions, as are present now, and residential developments nestled in forests could force fire officials to cut their losses and choose between threatened homes. If they aren't defensible, we'd have no choice but to keep going. Michael McGowan, a fire prevention technician with the state forestry department, said firefighters' decisions are often dictated by construction materials and residential landscaping. But a metal roof might give firefighters a fighting chance. That safety zone should be increased to 100 feet on the downhill side of homes erected on slopes.
Fire travels up hills much faster.
Trimming low branches and clearing surrounding brush and moss, particularly near spruce, will give ground fires less fuel to spread. That's more important in dry conditions, which converts normally flame-retardant moss into ready fuel for a firestorm. The fire prevention expert suggest the wisest course of action is to prepare for the worst, swapping shingles for a metal roof, and clearing select trees for a more defensible home. That's what it's all about. Lisa Huffaker hunched in a wheelchair a few feet away, the suspected drunken driver who put her there pleaded no contest Thursday to felony assault charges.