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

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got2surf on February 22, 2008 - 2:33am Permalink | Subthread | Parent | Comments top

Defensible space. Depends on one's surroundings. Non-flammable horizontal surfaces. Beware of flammable underpinnings - i.e. decks, porches, carports. Here's a controversial one: DO NOT EVACUATE - STAY AND DEFEND YOUR HOUSE! Have the ability to maintain water pressure when the grid goes down. Sprinkler on the roof is a great idea. Get to know the local firefighters - make sure they know where your house is. Have a clear and accessible driveway. Do not have evergreen shrubs near your house - they become incredibly powerful blowtorches when aflame. Also no woodpiles, gas tanks, lumber or any other piles of flammables. This includes automobiles.

Imagine every single plant and object around your house on fire at the same time - could you stop that from catching your house on fire?

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HereinHalifax on February 22, 2008 - 1:28pm Permalink | Subthread | Parent | Comments top

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

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

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