Important to Be Aware of Fire Behavior

Important to Be Aware of Fire Behavior

This summer has a very strong potential for an intense wild fire season. OSU Assistant Professor of Forestry, Natural Resources and Fire Science Daniel Leavell explains
Leavell: “The best thing to learn about fire is that fire is not good. It is not evil. It is a force of nature based on a chemical reaction. That is all fire is. That chemical reaction really depends on what type of fuels, what type of vegetation, what type of wind, what type of temperature, what type of humidity. There are a lot of factors that go in to make fire what it is and make it spread the way it does and burn the way it does. That is all black and white science.”
Leavell continues with important tips for those who live in forested or rangeland areas to consider now rather than later.
Leavell: “Look at your property. Look at your buildings. In a fire prone environment the recommendations are to not have a wood shake roof because the main danger in a fire spread is actually the embers. To clean your gutters of debris because embers can fly great distances and ignite whatever is in their path. Leaves and grass and dry debris can ignite if windblown and wind driven. Other things are to clean vegetation around the immediacy of your home.”
Now is the time to assess your property don’t wait til summer to address fire-prone issues.

 

 

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