Q: Should I create a "defensible space" around my home?
A: Defensible space around a home protects the structure by reducing the amount of fuel that can burn around it. This space can be extreme attractive, employing gravel pathways, healthy lawns, driveways and other non-flammable components. Draw an imaginary belt around your home approximately 30 feet wide. If properly prepared, this area will become a zone of protection for your home because ignitions will not occur there. If your home is on a slope, your belt will need to be wider on the slope side. Use carefully spaced Firewise plant materials in this space and remove pine needles and other vegetative litter.

Q: When selecting landscaping materials, how do I make Firewise choices?
A: Choose plants that are acclimated to this area of the country. Avoid resinous varieties and look for those with a high amount of moisture in their leaves. Note that deciduous trees are generally less flammable than coniferous ones. Check with the Arkansas Forestry Commission, or with your extension agent to get a list of Firewise plants. A healthy, well maintained landscape is very important, so be sure to space plants carefully, prune them regularly, remove dead leaves and other litter from around trees, shrubs and vines, and provide the landscape with sufficient moisture.

Q: Does Firewise have a recommended plant list for my area?
A: Firewise does not have plant lists for every region of the United States, but some are posted at www.firewise.org.

Q: What roofing materials are Firewise?
A: Asphalt, gravel, tile, slate, asbestos, cement shingles, sheet iron, brick, aluminum and steel.

Q: My wood shake roof was treated with fire retardant some years ago. How can I tell if retardant needs to be reapplied?
A: Research has shown that wood roofs are fire prone and retardants are not reliable. Most Firewise sources urge people to avoid wood roofs when building new homes, and replace them on exisiting buildings.

Q: What are the best things I can do to ready my house for fire season?
A: The following are a few of the things you can do to prepare for fire season:

• Clear your roof and gutters of pine needles, leaves and other debris. Clean up pine needles, dead leaves or other vegetation that has accumulated against the side of the house and/or decks.
• Screen all outside openings to the basement, roof and/or attic, as well as chimneys and stovepipes.
• Mow the lawn and keep all vegetation healthy and well-watered.
• Remove dead limbs from trees and shrubs. Clean up leaf and needle litter.
• Limb up trees with low hanging branches to prevent a ground fire from climbing into the upper branches.
• Store wood piles and other flammable materials at least 30 feet away from the house.
• If your roof is composed of wood shakes, replace it.

Q: What should I do if a wildfire threatens my neighborhood?
A: In the event of a wildfire, you should contact the fire department or district fire warden immediately. Close all the windows, doors and other openings to the outside to prevent sparks from blowing inside. Locate all family members and pets. Wear non-flammable cotton or wool clothing. If you have time, wet down the roof and the area adjacent to the house. Prepare your vehicle for evacuation if necessary.

Q: Who sponsors Firewise?
A: Firewise is sponsored by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG). Members of the NWCG are responsible for wildland fire management in the United States. They represent the USDA Forest Service, the Department of Interior, the National Association of State Foresters, the U.S. Fire Administration and the National Fire Protection Association. The NWCG's Wildland/Urban Interface Working Team directs the Firewise program. In Arkansas, the Arkansas Forestry Commission is the local cooperating agency, partneered with the above groups.