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FIREWISE YOU CAN USE

14 ::Veldfire Fuel Type H for Home

The Western Cape has been lucky to have had a reasonably mild fire season so far, but Summer is a long way from over. A veldfire that recently damaged upmarket homes in the Western Cape showed us yet again that nature is a powerful adversary, with a harsh reminder that a home is just more fuel in the path of a wildfire. Wildland firefighters in the USA call it fuel type H.

Yet research in the USA has proven that, when firewise precautions have been taken in the home ignition zone, most structures have a fair chance of withstanding the force of a wildfire. Australia, also prone to vicious wildfires, encourages homeowners to be prepared. South African home owners living on the edge of wildlands would be wise to follow suit.

The predictions for an increase in fire weather in the Western Cape in future years are fairly dire. Developments 'close to nature' are on the increase. Logically, this means we should expect that homes might burn down more often - unless homeowners take responsibility for reducing veldfire risk to their properties. In the same way one protects ones assets against theft, a homeowner should personally take precautions to protect their assets from veldfire.

If a home is built in a fire prone area - and anywhere in close proximity to Fynbos can be classed 'fire prone' - then the owner should take a serious look at being firewise. At some time a veldfire will likely endanger the property. It is almost inevitable. Ideally, a veldfire should be able to happen as a natural event, without firefighters needing to place their lives on the line to protect a property, because the home is designed, positioned and maintained in such a way that the fire will go around it, and measures are in place to protect it against ignition from flying embers. This sounds far fetched, but it isn't! Check your home ignition zone!

Make sure there is a clear area in the immediate vicinity of the structure

10metres is the very minimum. More is better. This doesn't mean bare ground, but that there is insufficient fuel to feed the fire, allowing it to run along the ground or from bush to bush. Remove lower branches of trees so that creeping ground fire cannot reach the fuel above. Open up spaces so that tree crowns don't touch. Plant fleshy species such as Aloes and succulents in the zone closest to the structure. Well watered green lawn is a good firebreak, as is gravel. Keep 'ladder fuels' - fences, creepers, woodpiles -away from the walls of the structure. Don't let branches overhang the roof. Before the fire season, clean up leaf litter and dry material that has accumulated under trees.

Take a good look at your roof

According to the research done by USA wildfire specialist, Jack Cohen, it's the "little things" that cause homes to ignite. Most homes that burn down ignite after the main fire has passed over, not from the radiant heat that they are exposed to during the main fire, provided that there is a reasonably clear zone in the immediate area around the structure. Flying embers that accumulate in the nooks and crannies are most often the culprits. The roof is the most exposed area. The remedies are often simple and inexpensive. Check for loose or lifting roof tiles and any place where windblown embers can accumulate. Box in eaves. Close any gaps between corrugated roofing and the roof structure. A non -flammable roofing material is always less risky. Keep gutters clean of leaf litter. When the fire is approaching, block downpipes and fill gutters with water.

Apply fire retardant to thatch, and re-apply when necessary. A sprinkler system with an independent water supply also helps, but make sure you can depend on the water and electricity supply as these often go down during a wildfire.

Be prepared

Fit fine mesh to airvents. Clean out dry vegetation from under decks and apply fire retardants to wooden decking. Keep a special set of buckets, hosepipe, a fire beater, sacking, stout shoes, long sleeved cotton or woolen clothing, long pants and head covering all together in a fireproof place [inside the house!] in case of ember attack.

An independent water source such as a swimming pool or rainwater tank is invaluable. Electricity is often the first thing that goes down, so an electrically driven borehole can't be depended upon and municipal water supply is needed by municipal firefighters, so there is often a drop in pressure.

Don't keep large quantities of flammable liquids on the property. Make sure your driveway is clear and wide enough to take a fire tender. Properties should have a number and address prominently displayed at the roadside so that emergency services can find you if you call for help. Reflective numbers are best under smoky conditions!

If you choose or are ordered to evacuate

Have a checklist prepared and make sure the family knows what to do when fire approaches. Remember pets. Don't wait until the last minute - leave early - it is much safer.

Close all windows. If drapes are heavy, close them, but if lightweight, open them as they may ignite from radiant heat. Fill the bath and buckets before you go. Leave lights on inside the house so that firefighters can see whether there is still power and can check inside for people.

Move wooden garden furniture to a safe distance from the home, or put it inside. Open all gates so that horses and other stock animals can get away and firefighters can get in. If you have a ladder, leave it out on the ground [ Not against the house!] so that firefighters can gain quick access to the roof. Return as soon as firefighters give the all clear. Systematically work around the structure and check for smoldering embers.

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