Historically, fires occurred here as often as tornadoes in the Midwest. If the upcoming forest fire season mimics recent tornado patterns, Northwest homeowners ought to follow Schnep's advice. The number of forest owners has more than doubled in the last 20 years and a lot of them want to have their homes built in the forests they own. Providing access for firefighters to rural homes is critical but many homeowners rely on old logging roads too narrow or steep for heavy equipment. In addition, the home itself should be fire resistant.
Shake roofs are most susceptible to fire while tile or metal offer the best defense.
But landscaping a defensible zone around the home is perhaps the most important factor in protecting it from fire danger. According to Schnepf, determining how big the zone should be depends on the kind of terrain that the house is situated on. A house perched at the top of a forested hill can be especially subject to chimney-like updrafts generated by a wild fire and requires a wider buffer zone. The trees and brush within the overall defensible zone should be trimmed to prevent them from carrying fire to the home, Schnepf said. Altogether, this zone should stretch approximately 100 to 150 feet outward from the home.