Old North News

The North Carolina Forest Service is urging residents to implement wildfire mitigation practices and adhere to Firewise principles to safeguard their homes and communities. The focus is on creating defensible spaces to reduce the risk of wildfires.

Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler emphasized the importance of early preparation, stating, “Even though we’re still a few weeks from the official start of spring wildfire season, now is the time for homeowners to be thinking about simple steps they can take to reduce risk in the home ignition zone by creating a defensible space.” He highlighted the dangers posed by wildfires in areas where human development meets undeveloped land, known as the wildland urban interface (WUI).

North Carolina has nearly 13 million acres classified as WUI, making it the leading state in this category. More than half of its residents live in these areas, which are increasingly vulnerable due to population growth and development. Homeowners are encouraged to take proactive measures before wildfires occur.

For those residing in WUI areas, particularly in Western North Carolina affected by Hurricane Helene debris, several preventive steps are recommended:

- Clear combustible materials like pine needles and dead leaves from roofs, gutters, decks, porches, patios, and fence lines.

- Trim shrubs or tree branches within five feet of your house.

- Remove potential fuel sources such as woodpiles and spare lumber within 30 feet of your home.

- Use non-flammable landscaping materials like crushed stone or gravel instead of mulch.

- Store outdoor items that could catch embers indoors.

- Screen or seal openings in your house to prevent embers from entering.

- Create fuel breaks with driveways and walkways.

For further information on creating defensible spaces and protecting property from wildfires, visit www.resistwildfirenc.org. Additional resources on fire safety can be found at www.ncforestservice.gov.