Fires and Floods
Natural processes such as fires and flooding are a part of living in the country. Although these events, when they occur naturally, may be necessary to maintain the health of your land, you can take preventative steps to protect your home and your family. Understand the role these processes play in your area, and learn how to promote them as appropriate without endangering yourself. Learn preventive measures and know what emergency services are available in your area.
Wildfires and flooding are natural processes essential for the health of many habitats. Western conifer forests evolved with periodic fires, and tree species such as ponderosa pine and western larch have adaptations such as thick bark and self-pruning lower limbs that allow them to thrive in fire-prone landscapes. Many bird species, too, including Black-backed Woodpecker and Mountain Bluebird depend on the rejuvenating effects of natural forest fires. Those who choose to live in landscapes that are subject to frequent natural fires have a particular responsibility to be "fire-wise" by not building on steep slopes or nestled close among the conifers. Landscaping that minimizes ground fuel and using building materials that are flame resistant such as stucco and metal roofing is essential. It is also wise in many circumstances to use prescribed, controlled fire as a tool for both maintaining the health of the forest and reducing fire hazard to one's home.
Similarly, floods throughout the country are an essential part of the dynamic health of our rivers. Building one's house in a floodplain is a bit like parking your car on a railroad track and then being surprised when the train comes along. Attempting to control the flow of waterways with levees and riprap, so as to prevent flooding, only serves to damage the riparian habitat alongside rivers and streams. In the arid west, such habitat constitutes less than 4% of the landscape and yet 80% of bird species depend on these green ribbons during some part of their lifecycle. If you own riverfront or streamside property, protecting this habitat is an added responsibility. Don't build within 300 feet of waterways, and keep your roads out of the floodplain.
Getting Started: What You Can Do
- Find out what plants and animal species are dependent on natural fires in your area. Contact your local extension agent, conservation district, or USDA service center for information on how to use fire to help manage your property for fire dependent species or habitats.
- Contact your local fire department and make sure they know the location of your home and best access points to your property. Find out if they have a wildfire plan for your area. Create a fire safety plan for your property based on fire wise principles (see below) and your local wildfire plan. (we need more information about using fire as tool of restoring ecological health rather than preparing for disaster)
- Determine what parts of your property may be prone to flooding and if any part of your property lies within a floodplain. Also, find out which roads in your area may be flood prone. Create a plan to deal with potential flooding incidents that may affect your property or your normal transportation routes. Never drive through flooded water crossings.
Helpful Links
Helpful Hint
Never drive through flooded water crossings.
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