The devastation caused by fires in Canada and the West Coast of America this year has been overwhelming. 

It’s hard to imagine the impact such fires could have here in Otago, particularly as we head into what’s predicted to be a long, hot summer.

Fire Season: A Time for Preparation

Recently, I tuned into a 99% Invisible podcast episode titled Built to Burn. The guest speaker, Jack Cohen, a seasoned Forest Service research scientist, shared invaluable insights from his lifelong study of fire behaviour.

One striking example he discussed was the 1980 Panorama Fire in California. Hundreds of homes caught fire well before the fire front reached their neighbourhoods. How?

• Embers: Blown downwind, embers ignited wood shingle roofs, collected on wooden decks, filled gutters clogged with leaves, and entered attics through open vents.
• Historical Fire Cycles: In pre-human times, wildfires burned regularly at low intensity, clearing forest floors. Modern fire suppression has interrupted this natural cycle, increasing fire severity.

Managing Fire Risk: The Home Ignition Zone

Cohen introduced a proactive approach called the “home ignition zone.” By managing this area, you can significantly reduce the risk of your home catching fire.

• 10–30 metres: Keep trees sparse and ensure vegetation doesn’t provide fuel for fires.
• 10 metres: Use landscaping and design to minimise fuel. Remove long grass, and don’t store firewood against your house.
• 2 metres: Create a firebreak with rock gardens or irrigated lawns. Regularly clean gutters, stow outdoor furniture and BBQs safely, and seal attic vents and garage doors.

Building with fire-resistant materials further reduces risk. Cohen’s research suggests that effectively managing the home ignition zone could eliminate the need to fight forest fires aggressively – they could be allowed to burn safely.

Additional Resources to Help You Stay Safe

Fire and Emergency NZ offers excellent resources to help prepare for the fire season:

• Risks to Your Home Checklist
• Rural Farm & Business Fire Safety Checklist

Another useful tool is the personalised escape plan generator at escapemyhouse.co.nz. Answer a few questions, and you’ll receive a custom plan to share with your family or flatmates.

Stay Connected

If you have questions or tips for staying safe during fire season, reach out to Sarah at [email protected] or call 027 200 7680.

Proactive preparation can make all the difference this fire season – let’s keep our homes and communities safe.