Wildfire Risk Assessment Checklist

Wildfire is a potential risk everywhere, especially in the Wildland Urban Interface & Remote Rural areas where Resorts – Home – Cottage – Cabin – Ranches and Farms exist among the forest, trees and other combustible vegetation such as grasses, brush and shrubs. The following "Wildfire Risk Assessment Checklist" will help you to determine what course of action to take in order to protect yourself, family, friends, employees, customers or renters. This list should heighten your awareness to the hazards of fire and realize potential dangers in Urban Interface and Remote Rural Areas

1. Is there a history of nearby wildfires? If Yes, risk is high.
2. Are you in a climate with a dry season of more than 3 months? If Yes, risk is high.
3. Is there wildland (forest) within 100 feet of your building/s? If Yes, risk is high.
4. Is there steep forested terrain with grades that average over 20 percent in any direction from your building/s? If Yes, risk is high.
5. Are there other fuel sources (wood piles, brush, furniture etc.) less
   than 30 feet from your building/s?  If Yes, risk is high.
6. Are you in a rural area? If Yes, risk is high.
7. Are you in an Urban Interface area? If Yes, risk is high.
8. Do you have a fire hydrant close to your building/s? If No, risk is high.
9. Do you have a swimming pool? Positive Resource
10. Is your property within 10–500 feet from a lake with uninterrupted access? Positive Resource
11. Is your property within 10–500 feet from a stream or river with uninterrupted access? Positive Resource
12. Is there a defensible space surrounding your building/s? (space that is cleared of brush and other fuel sources) If No, risk is high.
13. Do you have a fire rated roof covering? If No, risk is high.
14. Are your eaves open and susceptible to collecting combustible material such as leaves, pine needles, pinecones and other like materials? If Yes, risk is high.
15. Are your exterior walls made of a combustible material such as vinyl or wood siding? If Yes, risk is high.
16. Do you have a roof top sprinkler system? If No, risk is high.
17. Do you have an sprinkler system that can be used to soak down the area around your building/s in the event of a wildfire? If No, risk is high.
18. Do you have an emergency exit route (road) away from your property in the event an evacuation order? If No, risk is high.
19. Do you currently have emergency standby fire protection equipment suitable for initial fire attack? (pump, hose, nozzle, back pack pump container, purpose built mobile fire pump package) If No, risk is high.
20. Do you have a fire ready protection plan to help protect your investment and above all to provide a safety net for your family and others? If No, risk is high.

Now that you have completed your assessment, review it carefully and develop your own personal strategy to help mitigate the many factors that may exist for a potential fire. There are many ways to minimize the risk factors and bring about a level of security and peace of mind. To this end, Initial Attack Fire Solutions Co. can assist you in developing your strategy and provide options that make sense. Whether it’s the supply of fire pumps, hose, nozzles, roof top sprinkler packages or perhaps a free property evaluation, we have solutions to meet your needs; we are at your service.