When wildfires start, many people will need to take steps to suppress it, avoiding it from causing damage to wildlife and property. There are different methods of wildfire suppression that can take place. The exact type is going to depend on the area you live in. What Is Wildfire Suppression? The process of wildfire suppression allows people to gain control of the fire. There is no longer the aim of completely extinguishing it. However, if caught early, it is possible to extinguish them before they get out of control. Containment is the aim. In fact, 99% of new wildfires will be contained throughout the year. Of course, these aren’t the ones that people hear about on the news. The ones
(719) 400-9104
office@coloradomastication.com
Please call for a free estimate on fire mitigation in Parker (719)400-9104 or email us at office@coloradomastication.com. While some wildfires are necessary for good forestry, there are risks that they become out of control and dangerous. They cause damage to larger areas of the forest than necessary, put wildlife at risk, and put human lives on the line. It’s important to take steps to prevent wildfires from happening. You can help manage the risks, even if you don’t think you will contribute to the risk of fires in the first place. Past Attempts to Help Wildfire Prevention The prevention of wildfires has been on the minds of people for decades. In fact, President Franklin D. Roosevelt put together a campaign
The best way to manage a wildfire is to detect it early. This allows the right people to react when needed, minimizing the risk of life (human and wildlife) and preventing the spread of the fire. Early detection also helps to prioritize the fire danger better. How do areas detect wildfires quickly? Here are the top methods to help with wildfire safety. Fire Lookout Towers In the United States, Fire Lookout Towers were used up until the 1950s. They would have people stand in towers to keep an eye out for any potential fire in the local area. Carrier pigeons, telephones, and other methods of communication would get the word out to the right people to manage the fires. Infrared
Need defensible space around your Monument home? Call (719)400-9104 for a free fire mitigation estimate. Fire-adapted communities play an important part in managing fires. They learn to live with the wildfires, allowing the necessary ones to burn but taking steps to manage the spread. However, it’s certainly risky to live in one of these communities. To ensure people are safe, the following steps are taken to reduce the risks. Defined Areas with Excellent Knowledge The community will always live adjacent to or within a particular ecosystem that is prone to fires. They’re aware of these risks before living there, and there is a clear boundary defined for the living area. Those who reside in these areas will have the knowledge
Wildfires have always been around. While natural and helpful, they have been known to grow out of control and cause damage and loss of life. Since the early 1900s, federal and state agencies have worked to put in a wildfire policy to prevent, suppress, and maintain. Over the decades, the policy has changed. It’s had to be based on growing concerns and new developments. Here’s a look back at the history of wildfire policy. The Forest Fire Emergency Fund Act The fire was initially viewed as a threat to timber and not life. This is why the initial public funds were devoted to fire suppression and prevention. In 1908, the Forest Fire Emergency Fund Act was brought in, permitting deficit
To help curb out-of-control wildfires, there have been some communities adapted purposely to manage them. They’re designed in a way that puts the management and control of wildfires first. According to the United States Forest Service, these communities have an increased awareness of wildfires. They’re engaged and take actions to protect the area. The community will think carefully about infrastructure and building materials, as well as the surrounding ecosystem. It’s Not About Stopping Fire The aim of the fire-adapted communities isn’t to completely prevent fires from happening. Some wildfires are necessary. The communities are adapted in a way that makes fire part of their surrounding landscape. These fires are managed. They’re controlled to avoid damaging lives and property. Citizens are
Fire has a natural place in the world. It’s necessary for the management of the forests. Fire ecology is the process of understanding that. The History of Wildfires and Understanding In the early 20th century, there was a concern about timber, which led to the attempt to prevent all fires. However, it was soon clear that some fires were necessary. The United States had to change its campaigns, helping the public understand that some fires are important but there is a fine balance. Up to this point, the view was that all fires were harmful to nature. More people took time to study fires and learn what they mean for forestry and woods. Now it’s clear that fire helps with
Part of fire ecology is understanding fire and its interactions and uses within the ecosystem. All fires will have a severity level, which is the term used for ecologists to understand the impact one fire will have on the specific ecosystem. How do ecologists define the severity? There are a number of factors involved, but one of those ways is through the plant mortality rate. It’s important to understand the three burning levels. Ground Fires: These are the fires that will go through the rich soil. Surface Fires: These fires will burn through the dead plant material on the ground. Crown Fires: These fires burn at the tops of the trees and shrubs. In the majority of cases, ecosystems experience
Suppressing wildfires costs time and money. It also puts lives at risks, especially as unplanned wildfires grow out of control. In fact, it can cost millions of dollars for one single wildfire. It’s important for the federal government to manage the costs but also make sure the money is available to put people, wildlife, and property first. What have been the costs over the years? Where the Money Comes From The Forest Service and the Department of the Interior are responsible for funding the suppression of wildfires on a federal level. Combined, they can certainly raise the money, but it’s not always enough for the number of fires in a year. This number is routinely growing. Even when it’s just
Wildfires spread extremely quickly. While individuals can build and maintain their homes with safety involved, it doesn’t just stop there. The community infrastructure is essential to make it safer in the area. This involves creating evacuation routes, building emergency access points, and creating the right infrastructure around the town. Here’s a look at all the work that needs to be done. Reducing the Risk of Fire Getting the right building materials for shops, offices, and other spaces will be essential. It’s important to minimize the spread of the fire, reducing destruction and making the community safe for all. Likewise, maintaining the area is essential. Creating a defensible space around the entire community and maintaining that is something a town or