A Factsheet on Rural Fire Safety and Prevention

Rural Fire Prevention Checklist: A Factsheet on Rural Fire Safety and Prevention

Self-reliance is the rule for fire safety for many people. A move from an urban center to a suburb or rural area requires you to rethink fire safety. If you live in an area where the local fire department is more than a few minutes away because of travel time or distance, or if you are outside the limits of the nearest town, be sure you know how to be self-reliant in a fire emergency. You must be aware of special fire hazards near wooded areas. You must also be aware that geographic location may create longer response times for fire and rescue services. If you live in the rural-urban interface, the point where homes meet combustible vegetation, you must increase your role to protect lives and property in your community beyond the city limits.

The Haworth Volunteer Fire Department and the United States Fire Administration (USFA) encourage you to use this fire safety checklist to help you protect yourself, your home and its surroundings from fire. Remember, fire safety is your personal responsibility... Fire Stops With You!

Fire Facts about Rural Living

Once a fire starts outdoors in a rural area, it is often hard to control. Wildland firefighters are trained to protect natural resources, not homes and buildings.
Many homes are located far from fire stations. The result is longer emergency response times. Within a matter of minutes, an entire home may be destroyed by fire.
Limited water supply in rural areas can make fire suppression difficult.
Homes may be secluded and surrounded by woods, dense brush and combustible vegetation that fuel fires.

Tips For Fireproofing Your Property

Keep lawns trimmed, leaves raked, and the roof and rain-gutters free from debris such as dead limbs and leaves.
Stack firewood at least 30 feet away from your home.
Store flammable materials, liquids and solvents in metal containers outside the home at least 30 feet away from structures and wooden fences.
Create defensible space by thinning trees and brush within 30 feet around your home.
Landscape your property with fire resistant plants and vegetation to prevent fire from spreading quickly.
Post home address signs that are clearly visible from the road.
Provide emergency vehicle access with properly constructed driveways and roadways, at least 12 feet wide with adequate turnaround space.
Make sure water sources, such as hydrants and ponds, are accessible to the fire department.
Burning yard waste is a fire hazard. Check with your local fire agency on a non-emergency number for fire permit requirements and restricted burning times.

Maintain Home Heating Systems

Have your chimney inspected and cleaned annually by a certified specialist.
Insulate chimneys and place spark arresters on top.
Extend the chimney at least three feet above the roof.
Remove branches hanging above and around the chimney.

Have A Fire Safety and Evacuation Plan

Install smoke alarms on every level of your home.
Test them monthly and change the batteries at least once a year.
Consider installing the new long-life smoke alarms.
Make sure you and your family are prepared for a fire emergency.
Develop and practice escape and evacuation plans with your family.
Mark the entrance to your property with signs that are clearly visible.
Know which local emergency services are available
Know how to contact fire emergency services in your area. Post those numbers by the phone.
Provide emergency vehicle access through roads and driveways at least 12 feet wide with adequate turnaround space.

Make Your Home Fire-Resistant

Use fire-resistant and protective roofing and materials like stone, brick and metal to protect your home. Avoid using wood materials that offer the least fire protection.
Keep roofs and eaves clear of debris.
Cover all exterior vents, attics and eaves with metal mesh screens no larger than 6 millimeters.
Install multipane windows, tempered safety glass or fireproof shutters to protect large windows from radiant heat.
Use fire-resistant draperies for added window protection.
Keep tools for fire protection nearby: 100 foot garden hose, shovel, rake, ladder and buckets.
Make sure water sources, such as hydrants and ponds, are accessible to the fire department.

Let Your Landscape Defend Your Property

Trim grass on a regular basis up to 100 feet surrounding your home.
Create defensible space by thinning trees and brush within 30 feet around your home.
Beyond 30 feet, remove dead wood, debris and low tree branches.
Landscape your property with fire resistant plants and vegetation to prevent fire from spreading quickly.
Stack firewood at least 30 feet away from your home and other structures.
Store flammable materials, liquids and solvents in metal containers outside the home, at least 30 feet away from structures and wooden fences.

Follow Local Burning Laws

Do not burn trash or other debris without proper knowledge of local burning laws, techniques and the safest times of day and year to burn.
Before burning debris in a wooded area, make sure you notify local authorities and obtain a burning permit.
Use an approved incinerator with a safety lid or covering with holes no larger than 3/4 inches.
Create at least a 10 foot clearing around the incinerator before burning debris.