Ladder Fuel

Recently there have been two fires in the local area. The first was a minor fire near the Ranch which was named the "Red Baron" Fire for the local subdivision near our property. The response of the Oasis Volunteer Fire Department, as well as the Elmore County authorities was prompt and efficient and the fire was quickly extinguished without serious damage to life, limb or property.

The other recent fire was in Boise last week. This was also a grasslands fire, which unfortunately ascended a slope with the wind at its back. Tragically, one life was lost and a number of houses were destroyed. With these recent fires resonating in our mind we did some assessment to reduce the risk to the structures on the property. What we have come up with is a plan to expand the defensible space around the property and the grassy area around the property was partially cleaned up to permit mowing to suppress the highly flammable cheat grass to be found on the ranch.

The other was to trim up the poplar trees around the house to reduce ladder fuel. All of the polars had their branches trimmed up to 8 - 9 feet off the ground.

Also, the type of shrubbery around the house is due to be changed in the spring. The original owner had planted Pfitzer Juniper (Juniperus chinensis 'Pfitzeraiana'), which while a robust, hearty plant, which provides good ground cover, is also relatively flammable. We're looking to replace it with a less flammable variety. Any ideas are appreciated.