Officials warn North Carolinians to prepare for wildfires, more than 75% of state in a drought

The N.C. Forest Service is warning North Carolinians to be prepared for wildfires and take the necessary steps to help prevent any natural disasters.

“Even though we’re still a few weeks from the official start of spring wildfire season, now is the time for homeowners to be thinking about simple steps they can take to reduce risk in the home ignition zone by creating a defensible space,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Wildfires that occur in the wildland urban interface can be extremely dangerous and destructive to lives and property.”

Spring wildfire season hasn’t begun, but more than 75% of the state is currently in a drought. On Wednesday, the National Weather Service issued a “Special Weather Statement,” saying there’s an increased risk of brush fires from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The wildland urban interface (WUI) is the area where structures and other human development blend with undeveloped wildland, forest or vegetation.

These areas pose an increased risk for wildfires due to rapid population growth and people moving into formerly rural areas, the forest service said.

North Carolina has nearly 13 million acres classified as WUI. North Carolina is the top state for WUI area – with more than half of the state’s residents living in WUI areas.

Officials are encouraging homeowners to be proactive and protect their property before a wildfire occurs.

Those in western North Carolina are experiencing excessive fuel loading from Hurricane Helene storm debris, which makes the wildfire risk even greater. 

Here are some easy steps to protect your home from wildfires:

• Clear off pine needles, dead leaves and anything else that can burn from your rooflines, gutters, decks, porches, patios and along fence lines. Falling and windblown embers will have nothing to burn.
• Trim back any shrubs or tree branches that come closer than 5 feet to your house along with any overhanging branches.
• Walk around your house and remove anything within 30 feet that could burn such as woodpiles, spare lumber, vehicles, boats and anything else that can act as a large source of fuel.
• Instead of landscaping with flammable mulches, consider using crushed stone or gravel.
• Rake out any landscaping mulch to at least 5 feet away. Embers that land in mulch that touches your house, deck or fence is an easy fire hazard.
• Store furniture cushions, rattan mats, potted plants and other decorations from doors, decks, porches and patios. These items can catch embers and help ignite your home if you leave them outside.
• Assess your house to see what openings you can screen or temporarily seal. Windblown embers can get into homes easily through vents and other openings, burning the home from the inside out.
• Create fuel breaks with driveways, walkways/paths, patios and decks.

For
more information and tips to help create a defensible space around your home
and protect your property from wildfire, visit resistwildfirenc.org. To learn more about
fire safety and preventing wildfires and loss of property, visit ncforestservice.gov.