Fire-wise tips for SC homeowners

Why do some homes burn in wildfires and others not? Firebrands and surface fires are responsible for the majority of homes lost to wildfire. Firebrands, also called embers, falling onto things like flammable plants and mulch will ignite. When exposed to heat, some types of siding will melt, exposing the interior to fire. Embers can also enter through eaves, soffits and vents or be blown onto outdoor furniture cushions, leaves under decks or other flammable materials, starting fires.

Homeowners who want to protect their homes can take proactive steps to increase the survivability of their homes by creating an area of defensible space within 30 feet of the home. Undisturbed forestland and natural areas should be separated from the home by patios, driveways, or grassy spaces and dense understory plants should be removed from these natural areas.

In landscaped areas adjacent to the home, nonflammable mulches of stone, volcanic rock and brick should be used. Heavier mulches such as pine and hardwood bark or cypress are somewhat resistant to ignition, but will burn.

In the area immediately surrounding the home, residents should use plants that are less flammable. Wax myrtle, juniper, saw palmetto, yaupon holly and pampas grass are some landscape plants that ignite faster and burn more readily. These highly flammable plants are not recommended for planting adjacent to homes with wood or vinyl siding.

In landscaped beds near and immediately adjoining the home, individuals should use plants with some fire resistance which are less likely to ignite from a wildfire. These include deciduous plants and those that do not have resinous, oily or waxy leaves. Shrubs that exhibit some fire resistance include azalea, barberry, boxwood, gardenia, loropetalum, pittosporum and spiraea. Other fire resistant plants include crape myrtle, dogwood, monkey grass and periwinkle.

More information is available at www.trees.sc.gov and www.firewise.org.