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In 1996 the Miller's Reach fire raged through the community of Big Lake, Alaska and over 400 structures were lost. Fires of this magnitude easily overwhelm the resources available to fight them and in the end the difference between whether or not your home or cabin survives may very well lie in the preparations you and your neighbors made prior to its start. The communities in the Susitna Valley are at high risk for more devastating wildland fires...have you made preparations to protect your home? |
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The Mat-Su Borough Wildfire Mitigation Program provides homeowners with a free fire risk assessment and offers fuel reduction grants to qualified homeowners to reimburse contractors for costs associated with the removal of hazardous trees. For more information call (907) 373-8823 or visit the Mat-Su Wildfire Mitigation website. |
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The Anchorage Fire Department offers Anchorage homeowners a free fire risk assessment and qualified homeowners may receive up to 70% reimbursement for professional fuel reduction services. For more information, contact the Anchorage Wildfire Mitigation Office at (907) 267-4980 or visit the Anchorage Wildfire Mitigation website. |
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Ladder fuels advance the spread of fire from one fuel source to another. The key to effective fuel reduction is to space trees and shrubs far enough apart so that a fire will not have a logical path of advancement.
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Before Wildfire Fuel Reduction |
After Wildfire Fuel Reduction |
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ZONE 1: All sources of flammable material should be removed a minimum of 30 feet from your home. All conifers, particularly spruce, should be removed and replaced with fire-resistant vegetation. Any deciduous trees remaining in Zone 1 should be well spaced and all deadwood should be removed. |
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ZONE 2: Trees in Zone 2, which extends 30-60 feet from your home, should be mostly deciduous. Any conifers in Zone 2 should be well spaced from other trees, all deadwood should be removed, and skirts should be raised at least 8 feet above the ground. All unhealthy trees should be removed from Zone 2. |
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ZONE 3: Zone 3 encompasses a 100 foot radius around your home. Conifers, particularly spruce trees, should be thinned from Zone 3 and all deadwood should be removed. Any unhealthy trees should be removed and remaining trees should include a balance of younger and more mature trees. |
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