We have fruit and nut trees on drip irrigation as our 'edible landscaping', so that's how we take care of vegetation within 100 feet of the house. The rest is open pasture out to around 1000'. And we are in the northern tip of Virginia, so we are not as hard pressed (yet) for precipitation as the US West. It's another story entirely, however, south of us; most of the rest of Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida are in various categories of drought (or at least unusually dry), even in the middle of winter. See the Drought Monitor for details.

FD is < 1mi away here too, I'm not worried about their responding if it is just my place. The scenario that worries me is a forest fire sweeping through the mountains and into town - they would just be overwhelmed with that. We're not near the periphery of town, so we'll probably be OK. Still, I am hoping to be able to afford to do some remodeling in a few years, and I might want to go ahead and replace the siding anyway (and use that as an opportunity to beef up the insulation while it is accessible).

Thanks for the advice. No shake roof, I'm not insane! I would like to replace the shingles with a metal roof, hope to be able to do that in a few years.

I've got a few trees too close to the house that will need to go eventually. I hate to do that though, we do benefit from the shade. Since we're not so arid out here compared to CA, I think we're safe with 30', and I might even take my chances with less with a few of the really important shade trees.

Hi G2S,

A controversial view, as you say. I can appreciate the strong desire to remain with your property and do whatever you can to protect it, but you're really putting your life at great risk and at the end of the day, your life is worth far more than any worldly possession. Collect up the photos and any other cherished belongings to take with you if you can (but only if time permits), close the door and let your insurance company worry about the rest.

CNN interviewed three guys who stayed behind to protect their adjoining properties in one of the recent California fires and although they were well equipped to fight the fire and executed their game plan flawlessly and thankfully came through it OK, even they admitted it was foolish to have remained behind. So, I agree, do whatever you can to minimize the risk to your home, but if authorities are calling for your evacuation, I would suggest to you the only sensible option is to leave.

Cheers,
Paul