Image by John McColgan CC-BY-NC

Not all fire is bad. Prescribed burning is a land treatment, used under controlled conditions, to accomplish natural resource management objectives. It is a safe way to apply a natural process, ensure ecosystem health, and reduce wildfire risk. Its use reduces the potential for destructive wildfires and thus maintains long-term air quality.

Plan ahead. Before a wildfire threatens your area…

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  Image by USDA CC-BY

  Create a defensible space in the area within 200 feet of your home by reducing the amount of flammable vegetation and material and increasing the water content of what remains.

• Remove leaves from gutters, eaves, porches, and decks.
• Clear away dead plant material within 10 feet of the house.
• Remove branches that are 10 feet or less from the ground.
• Keep your lawn well-watered and in good health. If it is brown, mow it close to the ground to reduce fuel for wildfire.
• Dispose of debris and lawn cuttings quickly to reduce fuel for a fire.
• Learn more at www.firewise.org.

Prevent new fires by eliminating potential ignition sources. Do not burn leaves.

Resources

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  Image by Lotus R CC-BY-SA

  Wildfire safety tips:  Keep homes safe.

• Wildfire Risk Assessment Guide for Homeowners in the Southern United States
• Firewise Landscaping in North Carolina:  Identify recommended plants, plant placement, and maintenance to make your home less vulnerable
• Firewise Guide to Landscape and Construction:  A Guide for Protecting Homes from Wildfire
• Low Flammability Plants
• Selecting and Maintaining Firewise Plants for Landscaping
• Quick Guide to Firewise Shrubs
• Wildfires Near Me:  Create an Account to determine if your area is in danger or follow information about a specific fire
• North Carolina Forest Service Contacts
• Wildland Fire in the Southeast:  National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy
• Fire Adapted Communities
• Fire in the Wildland-Urban Interface: Selecting and Maintaining Firewise Plants for Landscaping