Wildfire is a global issue and Firewise is playing its part around the world by enabling residents to make a difference, wherever they live. In early February, NFPA had the great privilege to meet with its wildfire partner in South Africa, the Kishugu Non-Profit Company (NPC), and others in fire and emergency services in Cape Town to learn from them about their experiences with wildfire and how NFPA can be a part of their preparedness outreach. Since 2006, Kishugu NPC has worked with NFPA in adopting the Firewise Community model to help at-risk residents with wildfire educational materials and empowering community action. South Africa has 11 official languages and socio-economic hurdles that make such positive outreach all the more valuable.  Kishugu NPC, implements the South African Government's Working on Fire Programme, utilizing Firewise as a job creation public benefit.   Each Firewise Community has a committee that delivers neighbor-to-neighbor educational outreach, risk assessments, mitigation project work, and even evacuation response as trusted voices in their community.  Working on Fire also trains and employs wildland firefighters across South Africa for response efforts, while building their fire professional abilities.While there, NFPA attended a beneficial meeting hosted by the Western Cape Government Disaster Management staff which highlighted the common wildfire issue and challenges we all face to public perception and education.NFPA visited with Chief Fire Officer Ian Schnetler, City of Cape Town Fire & Rescue, to learn about the department's experience with wildland fire response across the Cape region and its work with residents on WUI fire understanding.  NFPA also spent time with Chief Director Colin Deiner, of the Western Cape Government Disaster Management and Fire & Rescue Service, to learn about their fire public education and preparedness efforts with populations at risk.  NFPA's Learn Not To Burn and other initiatives have been used by them for fire safety messaging to school children.  Out in the field, we were honored to visit the Kishugu - South Africa Firewise Community of Goedverwacht, north of Cape Town, and applaud their Firewise board members who received fire training certification from their regional Fire Protection Association.  Goedverwacht, like many others, utilize a Firewise Garden to explain less fire-prone succulent plant use around structures.  NFPA also spent time visiting with the Firewise Community of Sir Lowry's Pass east of Cape Town (committee pictured above) to learn from their experiences in community outreach. We look forward to the work ahead with Kishugu NPC and all those addressing wildfire risks in South Africa.  Opportunities like these provide NFPA great learning experience in the field and illustrate where we can positively work with international partners to provide influence to the truly global conversation on fire safety. 

With drought on our minds in many parts of the country, mulching is something many homeowners are incorporating into landscape design with other methods to reduce water consumption.  I was looking for mulch to freshen up the yard for next year and there are so many options and colors available, making mulch shopping fun.  A great article from Mulch Masters lists some reasons to mulch:Reduce surface evaporation from the soilImprove water penetration and air movementModerate soil temperature fluctuationsProtect shallow-root plants from freeze damage and frost-heaveDiscourage weed growthImprove soil structure and nutrient availability as they decomposeOther reasons to mulch are to control soil erosion, control dust, prevent soil compaction and to create a more visually pleasing landscape design.I remembered a Firebreak blog that a good colleague previously wrote about mulches and I decided to take a look at some of the choices out there with their flammability in mind. Picture of damage to a home's front porch from the Middletown Rhode Island Fire DepartmentWhen choosing mulches close to the home, especially in wildfire prone areas, it is important to take care to make a mulch choice that will help you use less water and be Firewise. The NFPA's Wildland Fire Operations Division has developed a helpful virtual workshop on research about the ignitability of mulch.There have been some very interesting studies about types of organic mulches and their flammability including recycled rubber.  Some organic mulch types studied in a University of Arizona research project included pine needles, bark nuggets, shredded bark, grass sod, garden compost, wood chips, and wheat straw. In this study, pine needles, straw and wood chips have the greatest flame length.  In yet another study by the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, The Combustibility of Landscape Mulches, all of the mulches evaluated were combustible under the test conditions of dry, hot and windy weather and more than 2½ months of outdoor exposure.  The mulches in this study that produced the top 3 flame lengths were recycled rubber, pine needles and shredded Western Red Cedar.Wildfire simulations at the IBHS Research Center demonstrate that the location of the mulch within the first 5 feet of the home that can contribute greatly to a home ignition. On the Wildfire Demonstration page of their website, IBHS states, "The mulch and vegetation in the re-entrant (interior) corner was ignited by embers, and subsequently ignited the combustible siding, resulting in rapid flame spread to the soffited eaves." The dictionary definition of a re-entrant corner is where the angle points inward. It is here where embers can easily collect and cause mulch to ignite other flammable materials, ultimately catching the home on fire.  After doing research, I decided to use a different alternative type of mulch within the first 5 feet of the home.  Some beautiful alternative mulch choices for this area include river rock (round rock), recycled glass, recycled porcelain, recycled concrete, crushed shells, gravel, paver stones and DG (degenerated granite).  The beautiful organic mulch that is located away from my home will be kept wet and thinly spread to help prevent ignition.  You can mulch with Firewise landscape design in mind.   It is the little things that we can do to embrace changes to the home and landscape surrounding the home that can help us have a Year of Living Less Dangerously From Wildfire. Image of beautiful recycled glass and rock landscaping from the Joyful Glass Landscaping website

!http://a7.typepad.com/6a01b8d094a1ff970c01bb0861cd27970d-800wi|border=0|src=http://a7.typepad.com/6a01b8d094a1ff970c01bb0861cd27970d-800wi|alt=Fire detection camera from New Zealand photo from ffti.com|title=Fire detection camera from New Zealand photo from ffti.com|class=asset asset-image at-xid-6a01b8d094a1ff970c01bb0861cd27970d image-full img-responsive!]]>Forest fire detection camera from New Zealand from ffti.com.auSpotting a wildfire early can help fire departments put it out sooner, keeping the fire smaller and more manageable in many cases.  An article in the San Francisco Gate ]]>spoke about new camera systems that are monitored by the Marin County Fire Department to spot wildfires in the area.  According to the article, eight California counties now have cameras such as these mounted on top of peaks and towers to aid in the detection of wildfires.  These new “camera lookouts” supplement manned watch towers.  The benefit of utilizing the cameras is that they can be posted in more remote areas where fires are difficult to detect.In another article from Butte County, California]]>, the cameras are beneficial because they can provide 24 hour coverage 7 days a week.  They can scan up to 15 miles in any direction and they can pinpoint the location of the fire which provides for rapid response time.According to the article, “In the event of a fire, Chief Officers can go online and switch to a live video mode, to zoom into the location of the smoke. They'll help determine how significant a fire is and how to allocate resources.”Early detection of wildfires is important to manage the size of the fire to minimize losses.  Implementing Firewise changes to your home and landscape is another important a defense to minimize loss to wildfire.  Do you know how to make change that can make a difference?  Visit the Firewise website  to learn more about how you can act to insure that we all have a Year of Living Less Dangerously from Wildfire.]]>

Due to the extreme conditions in some areas such as low humidity in the vegetation, extended periods of drought, high temperatures and high winds, extreme caution should be paramount in everyday activities out of doors.  Driving a car is one of the activities we all enjoy during the summer season, especially as we travel for summer vacation time.  Make sure that your road trip is not the cause of a wildfire.  The Arizona Department of Transportation shared some tips: Avoid driving or parking your vehicle in tall grass. (Or any tall dry vegetation) Never throw a burning cigarette out of a vehicle. When pulling a trailer, attach safety chains securely; loose chains can drag on the pavement and cause sparks, igniting roadside fires. Look behind you before driving away from fire-sensitive locations, such as areas with tall grass or campsites, to check for signs of a developing fire. Observe “Red Flag” fire-weather warnings. These warnings are issued when weather conditions are conducive to the easy start and rapid spread of wildfires. Always use a spark arrestor on internal-combustion engines. You can also: Follow all public-use restrictions and access closures – It is important to check with local agencies about any closures before venturing off road. Be prepared – Carry a shovel and a fire extinguisher in your vehicle and OHV. Call 911 immediately if you see a roadside fire and give an accurate description of the size and location of the fire including mile marker information, the side of the road (are you traveling east, west etc.), the last exit you passed or nearest landmark. Image of car fire in Boise from the Bureau of Land Management Car Fires themselves can be a cause of wildfires.  A June 14th 2015 article in the Boise Weekly, Car Fire Sparks Wildfire Near Jump Creek, shared that; "Firefighters say a car fire—the third in one week—sparked a wildfire that has scorched more than 330 acres, eight miles south of Marsing."  Another article dated June 19th 2015 on the KCRA.com website, Roadside Truck Fire Sparks Wildfire Near Oakhurst, talked about a pickup truck that caused a fire near Oakhurst, California that burnt hundreds of acres.  Many times simple maintenance items overlooked can cause your car to catch fire.  The NFPA has some interesting statistics on car fires: U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated average of 152,300 automobile fires per year in 2006-2010. These fires caused an average of 209 civilian deaths, 764 civilian injuries, and $536 million in direct property damage. Facts and Figures Automobile fires were involved in 10% of reported U.S. fires, 6% of U.S. fire deaths. On average, 17 automobile fires were reported per hour. These fires killed an average of four people every week. Mechanical or electrical failures or malfunctions were factors in roughly two-thirds of the automobile fires. Collisions and overturns were factors in only 4% of highway vehicle fires, but these incidents accounted for three of every five (60%) automobile fire deaths. Only 2% of automobile fires began in fuel tanks or fuel lines, but these incidents caused 15% of the automobile fire death. You can take simple steps to prevent a car fire: • Have your car serviced regularly by a professionallytrained mechanic. If you spot leaks, your car is notrunning properly, get it checked. A well-maintainedcar is less likely to have a fire.• If you must transport gasoline, transport only a smallamount in a certified gas can that is sealed. Keep awindow open for ventilation.• Gas cans and propane cylinders should never betransported in the passenger compartment.• Never park a car where flammables, such as grass,are touching the catalytic converter.• Drive safely to avoid an accident. For more information about car fire safety download the NFPA's car fire safety pdf.  Enjoy your road trip wherever your travel plans take you and have a safe and memorable time.

Due to the extreme conditions in some areas such as low humidity in the vegetation, extended periods of drought, high temperatures and high winds, extreme caution should be paramount in everyday activities out of doors.  Driving a car is one of the activities we all enjoy during the summer season, especially as we travel for summer vacation time.  Make sure that your road trip is not the cause of a wildfire.  The Arizona Department of Transportation shared some tips: Avoid driving or parking your vehicle in tall grass. (Or any tall dry vegetation) Never throw a burning cigarette out of a vehicle. When pulling a trailer, attach safety chains securely; loose chains can drag on the pavement and cause sparks, igniting roadside fires. Look behind you before driving away from fire-sensitive locations, such as areas with tall grass or campsites, to check for signs of a developing fire. Observe “Red Flag” fire-weather warnings. These warnings are issued when weather conditions are conducive to the easy start and rapid spread of wildfires. Always use a spark arrestor on internal-combustion engines. You can also: Follow all public-use restrictions and access closures – It is important to check with local agencies about any closures before venturing off road. Be prepared – Carry a shovel and a fire extinguisher in your vehicle and OHV. Call 911 immediately if you see a roadside fire and give an accurate description of the size and location of the fire including mile marker information, the side of the road (are you traveling east, west etc.), the last exit you passed or nearest landmark. Car Fires themselves can be a cause of wildfires.  A June 14th 2015 article in the Boise Weekly, Car Fire Sparks Wildfire Near Jump Creek, shared that; "Firefighters say a car fire—the third in one week—sparked a wildfire that has scorched more than 330 acres, eight miles south of Marsing."  Another article dated June 19th 2015 on the KCRA.com website, Roadside Truck Fire Sparks Wildfire Near Oakhurst, talked about a pickup truck that caused a fire near Oakhurst, California that burnt hundreds of acres.  Many times simple maintenance items overlooked can cause your car to catch fire.  The NFPA has some interesting statistics on car fires: U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated average of 152,300 automobile fires per year in 2006-2010. These fires caused an average of 209 civilian deaths, 764 civilian injuries, and $536 million in direct property damage. Facts and Figures Automobile fires were involved in 10% of reported U.S. fires, 6% of U.S. fire deaths. On average, 17 automobile fires were reported per hour. These fires killed an average of four people every week. Mechanical or electrical failures or malfunctions were factors in roughly two-thirds of the automobile fires. Collisions and overturns were factors in only 4% of highway vehicle fires, but these incidents accounted for three of every five (60%) automobile fire deaths. Only 2% of automobile fires began in fuel tanks or fuel lines, but these incidents caused 15% of the automobile fire death. You can take simple steps to prevent a car fire: For more information about car fire safety download the NFPA's car fire safety pdf.  Enjoy your road trip wherever your travel plans take you and have a safe and memorable time.

During the month of May in 1987, one of the largest and most damaging wildfires on record globally, The Black Dragon Fire (Heilongjiang) in China reduced about 1/5th of Chinese coniferous forests by more than 3 million acres in the Heilongjiang Province to ash and burnt stumps and claimed at least 200 lives.  The fire started on May 6th on a hot dry day impacted by high winds in the Black Dragon River area of China. On the Russian side another 3 wildfires may have impacted up to 15 million acres. In Russia the river is called the Amur River.There is no record of a fire of this magnitude in the recorded history of 24 dynasties in China.  There was concern that the magnitude of the fire transformed continental climatic conditions contributing to the desertification of Northwest China.  According to recorded eye witness accounts of the fire in The Great Black Dragon Fire: A Chinese Inferno by Harrison E. Salisbury, the fire was like “a red sea wave. It sounded like an artillery barrage. It was the sound of terror. A tornado of fire.”  One young forester he quoted said; “Well, I guess you could say it sounded like the roar of a dragon.”  The cause of the fire was improper brush cutting by a newly hired inexperienced worker, though any spark would have started the fire with the lack of rain, heat and high winds in this area which had frequently experienced fires, though not of this magnitude.Image from the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction Website from GFMC archivesA colleague of mine at NFPA, Wenting Wang, told me that as a child lessons learned from the fire were taught to her in school in China. She said, “However, the Chinese government had learnt a lesson from the fire. The new completed system was set up to recover the forest.  Increased land has been fenced off for forestation. The population in forest and timber area has been decentralized and reduced substantially after the fire. A big progress has been made in reforesting formerly cultivated land. The NFPP (Natural Forest Protective Project) was started in 1998. After the effort of 20 years, the ecosystem has been restored. “   She also told me that a memorial museum was built in 1988 to show the process of the fire and the progress people have been made after the fire. Image from Haiku DeckWe can all learn a lesson from this fire and others, to take care doing the right thing the right way and implementing Firewise principles to protect our properties and communities.  Wildfires can occur anywhere in the United States.  A colleague shared an article about the wildfire potential in Massachusetts and lessons learned from the Miles Standish State Forest  Fire 61 years ago this week.  We can take action that makes a difference.