|
Land ownership patterns in Missouri are changing as large ownerships are broken up into subdivisions and small farms and woodlots. This is especially evident in the rapidly expanding areas around Missouri’s recreational lakes. Retirement homes and summer cabins are being built in the forest without thought to using fire-resistant building materials, fire protection and creating a defensible space around the home. Compounding the problem is that nearly all natural cover fires in these areas are caused by people.
The term wildland/urban interface describes any areas where potentially dangerous wildland fuels,such as forests, old fields and grasslands, are found next to homes and other outbuildings. Because of their location, these structures are extremely vulnerable to fire should a wilfire occur in the surrounding area. Yet, individuals and developers continue to build in these areas without giving a second thought as to how their homes will fare when threatened by wildfire.
There are a number of preventive measures that homeowners can take to reduce hazards and potential damage to their property. This website will help homeowners assess their property and take steps to decrease possible wildfire damage to their homes.
|
