FIRE: Breaks

Firebreaks are strips of bare soil or fire retarding vegetation meant to stop or control fire.

Here are some tips and thoughts to install a firebreak:

• When possible take advantage of natural or man-made barriers such as roads, ponds, etc.

• Firebreaks may be temporary or permanent and can be fire-resistant vegetation, nonflammable materials, bare ground, or a combination of these.

• Make sure the firebreaks are of an adequate width. Usually a 10 ft. wide strip can stop creeping, ground fires.

• Take steps to avoid creating unwanted soil erosion.

• Make it beautiful and useful, like a hack trail or an allée. For example, Italian Cypress is noted as one of the most fire resistant trees.

The major costs involved may include:

• Clearing the firebreak strip

• Blading, disking or plowing a firebreak

• Hand tools to control vegetation

• Hauling controlled vegetation

• Mowing

• Labor

Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. No one wants a fire.