When Wind Blows, Embers Can Follow

By SFNF

Wildfire season is coming and now is the perfect time to prepare your home for a possible ember storm. The 2022Wildfire Preparedness is Year-Round campaign provides monthly wildfire preparedness tasks that follow the changing seasons. The March message from the Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) and partners at other forests, agencies and non-governmental organizations is when the wind blows, embers can follow.

Although climate change and increasing drought are making wildfire seasons year-round, we are at most risk when winds are at their worst. In New Mexico, spring is the windiest season when red flag conditions are common.

Research shows that the majority of homes lost to wildfire are ignited by flying embers. Embers are burning pieces of pinecones, pine needles, leaves, tree bark, twigs and other flammable items that are carried by wind. Hot embers can travel up to five miles in strong winds, putting your home and property at risk.

Taking steps now to harden your home and create defensible space is the best way to reduce the threat of embers and wildfire to you, your family and your community. Start by focusing on areas around the outside of your house and the exteriors of barns, sheds and other structures where hot embers could land and spark a fire.

Areas to concentrate on include:

Roof:   Replace wood shingles with fire-resistant materials

Clean roof and rain gutters of leaf and pine needle debris regularly

Remove overhanging branches

Vents and Eaves:  Close eaves and vents with 1/8” metal screens to keep embers out of the attic
Use baffled attic vents

Deck/Balconies:    Enclose undersides of decks, balconies and foundations with flame resistant sheeting
Use fire-resistant decking and outdoor furniture
Keep deck clear of combustible materials, including leaves and pine needles

Windows:     Install double pane windows with tempered glass to prevent breakage from radiant heat
Seal gaps in windows and doors, including the garage

Exterior Walls:   Build or remodel with fire-resistant materials
Remove plants that climb up house and under eaves
Use fire-resistant landscaping

 

Find more tips on protecting your home from a wildfire ember attack here or attend this National Fire Protection Association webinar on March 31 at 2 p.m. Other helpful resources include the Ready, Set, Go! Program (video), Living with Fire: A Guide for the Homeowner, New Mexico, and Firewise USA®.

The SFNF is working with the Cibola and CarsonNational Forests, Forest Stewards Guild, Fire Adapted NM, New Mexico Forestry Division, New Mexico Association of Conservation Districts,National Park Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs, andBureau of Land Management New Mexico to continue our wildfire preparedness calendar in 2022 and share the message across multiple platforms, including social media, webinars and community events. Bookmark the wildfire preparedness webpage to follow the campaign throughout the year.