The Oil Drum

109 comments on Fire and Rain: The Consequences of Changing Climate on Rainfall, Wildfire and Agriculture

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Todd on February 21, 2008 - 3:58pm

WNCO,

First, get rid of composition ngle or shake roofs and go to metal.

Second, clear around your house and buildings. The California Dept. of Forestry used to recommend 30'; they now recommend 100'.

Third, have sufficent water stored (or in a pond) to be able to start initial fire control or to provide water to fire tankers. I live beyond the "exburbs" and in the boondocks. We have had fires around us and it always scares the crap out of us. But, it is great to see a helicopter dipping out water from a pond on the corner of our property and know that that water could be used to save our place.

Lastly, I'd worry about the siding.

BTW, we also have a written evacuation plan so we won't have to waste time deciding what to take or do.

Todd

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WNC Observer on February 21, 2008 - 4:39pm

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.

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earldaily on February 21, 2008 - 6:33pm

hardi plank is the way to go
As for your shade trees, I put two impact sprinklers on the roof of my house during fire season and they take care of my shade trees. well I hope they do, as I haven't had the opportunity to load test this contraption.
Northern California is great but can be stressful during fire season

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Todd on February 21, 2008 - 11:01pm

Hi Earl,

Ain't that the truth. In fact, it can get downright surreal. There was a fire on a ridge a few miles south of us a few years ago. We got out lawn chairs to watch to be sure it stayed going west to east and not north toward us. It was wild watching the insane four engine water bomber pilots come in at a 45 degree glide path and fly down toward the valley. Those people have more guts than I'll ever have. At the end of their run, they had to do a quick pull-up or crash into the ridge on the other side of the valley.

There have been lots of other fires over the years but you never get used to it.

Todd