(VVNG.com)- San Bernardino County Fire is proud to announce the return of its Residential Assessment Program (RAP). County Fire will commence the second year of this program which provides no-cost evaluations of defensible space on residents’ property. RAP promotes hazard reduction around homes that exist in our mountain, wildland, and watershed communities. This program is mutually beneficial in that it assists the homeowners while increasing the effectiveness of fire suppression efforts as well as firefighter safety.
Defensible space is the creation of a “buffer zone” which extends outward from the home to a distance of 100 feet or to the property line, whichever is less. This zone has combustible materials removed or trimmed to minimize the chance of fire being carried into the home itself. Some steps to creating this space include clearing all dead vegetation, cutting limbs from trees that are between ground level and six feet in height as well as limbs that overhang roofs. Clearing vegetation from around propane tanks and ensuring that wood piles and combustible patio furniture are kept at least thirty feet from the home is also recommended.
In the coming weeks, San Bernardino County Fire Department will be out in the community going door-to-door handing out information and, should any resident desire, offering to walk the properties with the homeowners. During these visits, firefighters will provide specific advice on how best to create defensible space for your house. These visits are free of charge and without penalty. Firefighters will be unable to provide physical labor, however information on various programs will be available.
To schedule as assessment of your home’s property, please contact our Office of the Fire Marshall at 909-386-8400.
Click here for more information on RAP or to learn more on how to prepare for wildfire with “Ready, Set, Go”.
source: San Bernardino County Fire
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