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Forest Fire Tips Offered at China Meeting

November 12, 2008 - CHINA -- If Maine were to have wildfires such as those in California and other Western states, a lot of people would lose their houses because they're too close to the woods.

Or, in the Maine Forest Service's technical terms, they're at the wildlife urban interface, the "area where homes and other human-made structures meet or intermix with wildland vegetation."

The degree of danger depends on the type and density of the woods, terrain, firefighting access, availability of water, type of building construction and other factors, Maine Forest Service District Ranger Leslie Thornton told China selectmen Monday evening.

Distance from trees to structures is a major factor.

According to Forest Service guidelines, a 30-foot separation from the closest trees is minimal, a 70-foot separation is better and at least 100 feet is better still.

A 2005 survey of a sample of China residences found that 62 percent of structures inspected had less than 30 feet of clear space; another 28 percent had 70 feet or less. The remaining 10 percent had at least 71 feet, putting them in the low-risk category in that respect.

If a house in the woods is accessible only by a narrow camp road, the danger is multiplied. Thornton said firefighters facing a fast-spreading wildfire might not go down roads where they could be trapped and lose equipment or their lives.

The Forest Service is attempting to educate property owners to protect their homes. Simple steps include removing trees that overhang buildings; keeping gutters clear of flammable leaves and pine needles; trimming tree branches up to 10 feet so a fire on the ground cannot easily climb the tree; and not stacking firewood beside the house.

The China survey report recommends standards for new development require roads wide enough for fire equipment, with turnarounds and more than one entrance to facilitate access and escape.

Thornton said if the town wants to organize residents to trim trees and brush, the Forest Service would provide free use of a large chipper to take care of the brush piles.

Individual homeowners can get an evaluation and recommendations by contacting the service.

Brochures Thornton left at the Town Office provide contact information as well as additional suggestions.

The service has provided local fire departments with equipment for fighting wildfires and offers training programs, Thornton said.

BY MARY GROW
Correspondent, Kennebec Journal, 11/12/2008


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