Wildfire Preparedness Day

Firefighters Encourage You to Put Safety First on May 4th

The threat of wildfire is becoming increasingly prevalent and dangerous, posing greater risks to people and property than ever before. Wildfire Community Preparedness Day is a national campaign that encourages people and organizations everywhere to come together on a single day to take action to raise awareness and reduce wildfire risks. It is held in the United States and Canada on the first Saturday in May. This year’s Prep Day is focused on what residents can do in and around their homes to help protect against the threat of wildfires.

Years of scientific research support removing fuel sources from the area around the home – known as the “home ignition zone” – and is a key component to making a home safe from embers and radiant heat from wildfires.

There are simple things you can do in one afternoon or over a weekend that research shows will help your home survive a wildfire. Download this toolkit from NFPA to plan your weekend project! 

Here are some quick and simple projects that can make a big difference in your home's safety:

• CLEAR off pine needles, dead leaves, and anything that can burn from roof lines, gutters, decks, and fence lines. 
• TRIM back any shrubs or tree branches closer than 5 feet to the house. 
• RAKE out any landscaping mulch that touches your home - if it is flammable it should be 5 feet away. 
• REMOVE anything within 30 feet of your home that can burn, such as woodpiles, spare lumber, parked vehicles, or boats. These are items that can act as a large fuel source.

“Our District is referred to as wildland-urban interface, which is a transition zone between wilderness and developed land,” explains Lehigh Acres Fire Chief Robert DiLallo. “Here in Lehigh Acres, we have approximately 39,000 developed residential lots that are intermixed and surrounded by 87,000 vacant parcels, many of which are overgrown brush. In preparation for wildfire activity, homeowners need to understand their role and take action in reducing wildfire risk. Preparedness Day is a reminder that small improvements can make a big difference.”

Since 2014, community groups and individuals have participated in the campaign, completing hundreds of wildfire safety projects across the United States. Preparedness Day encourages people of all ages to plan and participate in a risk reduction or wildfire preparedness activity that makes their homes and communities safer.

This Prep Day, protect the part of the community that means the most to you and your family by eliminating vulnerabilities in the Home Ignition Zone, particularly the immediate 5-foot zone around your residence. Whether replacing wood chips with gravel or re-imagining your entire landscape design, what you do on Saturday, May 4, really matters. Be ready to make a difference in helping to avoid loss and tragedy by taking on a project this weekend to protect your home and family.