First, you need to learn a little bit about the fire potential around your property. Find out when fires normally occur (the season) in your area. If you are a new resident, check and see if you are moving into an area with a history of fire. Your local forest ranger can help you with much of this and he or she is located at the state forestry office.
Determine if you have high winds from any particular prevailing direction and make sure flammable material is reduced from that up-wind side. If the terrain is steep and property is up-hill you will need to manage fuels that are down slope.
The Primary goal is Fuel Reduction!
Always have an adequate available water source and a clear area around structures for fire suppression equipment. This means a clear 30' on all sides of your house. A well maintained lawn is one solution. Include "fuel breaks" like lawns, walkways, gravel and driveways.
Make a note of utility areas like septic tanks and buried lines that can be harmed by using heavy equipment near your house. Remind fire crews of this in the event they need to work close to these sensitive spots.
Increase your vegetation only outside the 30' "zone" with fire resistant species for as far as conditions warrant. Take out "ladder fuels" - vegetation that serves as a link between grass and tree tops.
The Checklist
