Wildfire and Your Home Workshop

August 14, 2005

It is fire season and for those of us, who live with nature at our doorstep, fire is often a primary concern. The urban wildland interface is the term used when homes and nature intersect. Nature without homes is a very different system then nature with homes. People are drawn to the solitude, views, privacy and beauty that living in nature brings, but when we build a home that is surrounded by forest, meadow or chaparral, eventually the reality of the dangers of living in nature strike. Mountain lions may eat domestic animals and fire can burn the shelter we create. Ironically, we are drawn to nature only to have to modify it to protect life and property.

A workshop is being offered to homeowners, building contractors and suppliers, Fire Safe Council members, Volunteer Fire Departments, planners, realtors, policy makers, and others at a cost of $10. Sponsors include the University of California Cooperative Extension and Sotoyome Resource Conservation District. The workshop will be held Saturday September 17, 2005 between 9:00AM-1:30PM in Cloverdale at the Fairgrounds and presenters will answer the following questions and cover the following topics:
* After a wildfire, you may notice that some homes survived but others did not. What makes the surviving home so special?
* What is the most vulnerable part of your home? And why?
* Specific fire performance of different building materials (e.g. roofing, siding, decking, vent designs, windows, etc.). Are some products more resistant and what are the priorities for their use?
* Simple precautionary actions individuals can take in and around their home to be better prepared for wildfire.
* Information on building codes and County Ordinances.
* Attendees will receive technical, practical, and relevant information on how to protect a home from wildfire.

For questions or to register, call Kathy Perry or David Lewis at 707-565-2621. According to the flyer, “Whether you are a homeowner or you help people make choices in home improvement materials or design, this workshop is not to be missed.”

I can be reached by email at thembi@mcn.org, I welcome responses as well as ideas for future Tree Tips. You can also get an email version by contacting me.

Thembi Borras is a Registered Professional Forester living and working in Mendocino County, CA USA.