Sometimes there are so many fires burning in an area that there is a shortage of engines and fire fighters. Without an engine present, even small fires like this can burn up to and ignite homes if leaves are not kept away from them. With this small fire, a homeowner with a garden hose could easily wet down the leaves next to the structure and stop the fire, too. Photo- Nathan Waters

It wasnít the big flames that caught this structure on fire. Fire fighters had put the fire out around it, moved on to protect other structures, only to find it burning when they returned. It was a ìlittle thingî that caused this to burn- probably an ember landing on something easily ignited. Photo- Nathan Waters

It is important to have at least a 3-5 foot wide area next to the foundation that is free of combustibles, including mulch. In the photo above, even a fire with small flames could easily ignite the structure. Photo- Leon Konz

Leaves in the gutter and on the roof like this make a real good place for a spark to land and start a fire. More than half of all homes that are burned are ignited by a ìlittle thingî- like a spark landing in a gutter or on a roof with leaves or pine needles! Photo- Leon Konz

Note how the leaves are present even under the deck. This home would be much safer if the homeowner would rake or use a leaf blower to get rid of the leaves for at least 30 feet. Photo- Leon Konz

Openings under decks like this are ideal for leaves and other debris to accumulate. Where ever leaves can blow to- so can hot embers from a nearby fire! It is best to keep leaves and other flammables from under decks by using screening with no larger than 1/8 inch mesh or by regular cleanings. Photo- Nathan Waters

The time to be taking action to make your home safer from wildfire is long before you can see smoke and flames. Check out other parts of this website for information about creating ìdefensible spaceî around your home. Photo- Nathan Waters