Juniper Point, Boothbay Harbor, Maine

Fire Prevention Overview

July 26, 2014

2

wildfire risk assessments Sept 2013

10 homes were randomly sampled 23 question survey Looked at exterior or structures and surrounding

vegetation Hazard level per question given numeric score

Points on survey totaled and assigned hazard level (9 lowest possible score – 171 highest possible score) Juniper Point overall score “moderate risk of wildfire”

MFS to complete Community Wildfire Protection Plan by 2015

3

The Wildland Urban Interface

4

The Wildland Urban Interface

The Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) is where homes meet the forest Wildfire can spread to structures in WUI areas

• Directly• Indirectly

WUI areas create unique challenges for both structural and wildland firefighters.

WUI fire near structure -1

5

6

WUI fire near structure -2

7

Important Factors when assessing risk:

Topography

8

Access Roads – difficult for fire apparatus

9

Access Roads / overhanging branches /signage

10

Defensible Space

The area between the home and the forest.

11

Defensible Space/Vegetation

12

Defensible Space/Vegetation

13

overhanging branches

14

Building Materials

15

places for embers

16

Vegetation Examples - 1

17

Vegetation Examples - 2

18

Water Availability

19

Summary

Primary Concerns in Juniper Point:• Lack of defensible space and too much vegetation near structures.•Dense mixed and coniferous forest stands.• Build up of slash and wood debris near structures.•narrow access roads with overhanging trees.• Inconsistent water availability.

20

Suggested ActionsCreate and maintain a min. of 30’ defensible space near structures. Maintain watered lawns, and clean up woody debris. Thin and prune trees surrounding homes. Clean gutters and roofs of leaves and needles. Maintain proper signage on home and streets. Enclose and/or treat decks. Keep firewood stacked away from home. Widen roads or install turnaround points for fire trucks.Eliminate overhanging trees on narrow roads.Incorporate Firewise building practices in new

structures.

21

Brush Chipping / Outreach

22

Brush Chipping – how piles should be stacked

23

Maine Dept. of Ag, Cons. and Forestry