Landscaping, Defensible Space and Fire Breaks (Oh My!)


Remember that California law in 2005 (PRC 4291) regarding fire risk that most of us Northern California folks just brushed off because it seemed like a Southern California issue? Guess what? It is now a great resource for anyone looking to improve their safety and lower their fire risk, regardless of your locale. It was created for landowners in “wildfire risk areas” which sadly, is now the entire West Coast and South West of the United States. If you have a community that abuts vacant land, you may want to look into how you can open a line of communication with the landowner or check for easements in place to get a defensible space set up between the properties. Communities in more densely populated areas can focus on drought tolerant planting, or as most Californians like to now call it “California Native Landscaping”. Selecting specific plants and trees can go a long way in helping structures stay intact in a fire emergency. Tese plants do not easily ignite, therefore slowing the fire consumption and reducing the fuel added to the flames.


Fire breaks are becoming more common in new development as they are proven to slow fire progression. If you want to see how a fire break can be utilized, just look to Cheyenne HOA in Vacaville, CA. Teir fire break saved the community from certain ruin and provided the time needed for firefighters to contain the blaze.


Fire Resistant Materials


Technology has come a long way, so use it to your advantage. Tere are chemical treatments that can be used on fabrics like umbrellas and awnings (Safe-T-Guard). Fire rated doors, fire retardant fence stains and paints (Fire Cracker, International Fire Resistant Systems), sprays (Termo-Gel) and even a relatively inexpensive pool pump (Fire Marshal Pool Pump at Fire-ect.com) that can be used to power a hose at 70 gallons a minute. Remember that Class A materials are the best option as they slow the spread of flames by at least 75%.


Reach Out


Environmental engineers, soil engineers, local fire departments, arborists and landscape specialists all provide a piece to your fire safety plan. Tese professionals can offer tailored options to help you create a solid roadmap for your communities. Don’t be afraid to use their expertise!


Removing and Reducing Fire Hazards


Every HOA has this issue, from the wooden decked condos to the single family homes. Fire pits, charcoal grills, tiki torches and improper chemical storage all pose a serious threat to your membership and your community as a whole. Limiting or banning open flame devices will lower your risk and educating members on how to properly store flammable items can assist in making sure your community doesn’t become ground zero for a fire.


Drains and Ditches


Drainage, access and removal of debris and underbrush should be done at least annually. Many associations now have moved to doing these actions semi-annually. Keeping these areas clean and having them inspected often could make all the difference in a fire (or the subsequent possible flood emergency).


JESSICA L. MELVIN, CCAM is the Com- munity Association Manager for Te Manage- ment Trust, Nor-Cal which serves the Vacav- ille, California and the Solano County areas since 2016.


Tinking about when an emergency can strike rather than if, is a pragmatic and proactive approach. Fire preparedness takes time, careful planning and a budget to accomplish. Associations can be blindsided by the complexity and costs. It may seem like a big undertaking but in the long run, protecting our associations and homeowners is of utmost importance. Managers have a critical role in aiding their Boards during difficult times and providing support to their community. With a little planning you can add an extra layer of stability and protection to your community when it matters most, in the heat of an emergency.


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