The March 2004 Arkansas FireWise Home of the Month belongs to Eric and Taunya Parsons of Branch, located along State Highway 23 just north of the Franklin/Logan County line.

The Parsons' home is a beautiful example of defensible space. That defensible space was put to the test during the summer of 2003, when a neighbor's trash fire escaped and made a run toward the home. The fire was suppressed when it got to the short grass at the perimeter of their green lawn. In this case, defensible space definitely paid off.

In the photos, notice there is almost no flammable vegetation right next to the home on all sides. There is vegetation around the home, but not within the 30-foot defensible area. Because the home is located on a hill, the defensible space has been extended to compensate. Also, trees close to the home have been thinned, and the liquid propane tank is at a safe distance.

It's very important to use fire-resistant materials for your roof, and add a spark arrestor on top of your fireplace chimney.

Access to the home is wide enough to accomodate emergency vehicles, and the home address is clearly marked so it can be found quickly.