In the wake of recent wildfires in Ka‘u, Firewise Communities Hawaii is reminding Big Island residents there are free and easy steps they can take to reduce the risk to wild fires.
In the wake of recent wildfires in Ka‘u, Firewise Communities Hawaii is reminding Big Island residents there are free and easy steps they can take to reduce the risk to wild fires.
Firewise Communities is a national program that works with community members to protect themselves against wildfire. FCH works with federal and county fire departments throughout the state, as well as all state fire-related agencies.
“Firewise teaches people how to prepare for a fire before it occurs,” said Denise Laitinen, Firewise Communities coordinator for Hawaii, who is based in Hilo.
Firewise recommends creating defensible space around your property to prevent fire from reaching your home.
“It’s about being lean, clean and green,” Laitinen said. “Creating a 30-foot buffer zone of defensible space around your property will help reduce your risk to wildfire. Even if you only have 5 or 10 feet of yard, you can still be Firewise.”
To create defensible space:
• Prune shrubs and trees so the lowest branches are 6 to 10 feet off the ground to prevent fire traveling from the ground to the tree tops.
• Remove dead leaves and plant material from around your home.
• Plant vegetation with high-moisture content or plants native to your area.
Firewise Communities Hawaii also offers safety information on what to do if a wildfire is approaching you house:
• Call 911.
• Close all entrances, windows and other openings.
• Close shutters, heavy drapes, Venetian blinds or other window coverings to prevent sparks from blowing inside your house.
• Turn off residential fuel. If you use gas or butane, turn it off at the tank or meter.
• Dress to protect yourself. Wear cotton clothing, including long pants, long sleeved shirt, gloves and a handkerchief to protect your face.
• Have tools and water accessible. Have a ladder, shovel, rake and long water hose available. Fill buckets and other bulk containers with water.
• Wet down the roof.
• Prepare vehicles. Back as many vehicles as possible into your garage, then close the door. In the event you evacuate, close the garage door behind you as you leave. If you do not have a garage, park vehicles so they are heading in the direction of the evacuation route.
• Evacuate to a safe location if necessary.
For more information, contact Firewise Communities Hawaii at 281-3497, by email at firewisehawaii@yahoo.com, or visit Firewise.org.