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Mine property have masticated the brush in a strip along the boundary of Sherwood
Forest and there is a fire access road to provide fire suppression equipment entry. To
the west, north and northeast lies a large pasture that was formerly grazed and is
currently not being used by livestock. The grass can grow tall, and when dry in the
summer can present a danger to the community of a fast moving fire.
Prior to subdividing the land in 1960, the area was used for grazing, mining and timber
production. Much of todays infrastructure in the surrounding area roads, ponds,
water ditches, pastures is a legacy of historic land uses. Prior to development the
vegetation in the area was much different than today. Trees were of course much
smaller and the forest was less dense. There were more open, grass and shrub areas
than today, and there were fewer residences. Some areas may have been burned
seasonally by ranchers to maintain the open grasslands they desired. In fact, before the
Gold Rush the area was maintained in an open, park-like condition by Native American
periodic burning. (For more information read Fire in the Sierra Nevada Forests, by
George Gruell.)
Since the residential development began, the landscape has evolved to become more
forested, with the overstory trees maturing over time. These changes, in combination
with the increase in people and homes embedded within the watershed, and the lack of
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Downieville from Cannon Point (left) Circa 1905. Same point 88 years later
(right.) Photos from Gruell, George E. Fire in Sierra Nevada Forests: A
Photographic Interpretation of Ecological Change since 1849. Missoula, MT:
Mountain Pub., 2001. Print.
In addition to the increase in difficulty and expense to control fires, the increase in
population in the Sierra Nevada foothills has made firefighting significantly more
complex, while the risk to life and property has climbed to extraordinary levels.
Homeowners insurance companies are facing astounding levels of liability, and have
been taking measures to protect themselves.
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_California_wildfires)
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS & EVACUATION
The assessment team recommends that individual families develop an emergency
evacuation kit and plan in order to properly prepare well in advance of an evacuation
order. An emergency evacuation planning guide is available online at:
http://www.areyoufiresafe.com/get-fire-smart/emergency-preparedness/
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Where to Plant - Avoid putting plants in the following locations to minimize the
movement of fire from the vegetation to the home: immediately adjacent to the siding;
underneath vents or eaves; tree limbs over the roof; and underneath or near the deck.
Mulching - Mulch conserves moisture, but also burns. Carefully choose the location of
plants or garden beds that will need mulch. Mulches greater than 2 inches deep tend
to smolder and are difficult to extinguish. Avoid using wood or bark mulches within 5
feet of the house. Instead consider colored rock, pea gravel or other less flammable
materials. Having a hardscape immediately adjacent to your home will help protect
the structure from flying ember intrusion.
Maintenance - Maintenance is critical to fire safety. Over time, plants grow both
vertically and horizontally, mulches dry out, leaves and needles accumulate within and
around landscape vegetation. All of these fuels may help feed a fire. Conduct routine
maintenance of your established vegetation to ensure a fire safe condition throughout
the year. Remember that no plant is completely resistant to fire. Plants with low fuel
content can be the difference between safety and destruction. You will find that a fire
safe landscape can increase your property value, provide wildlife habitat and conserve
water while beautifying your home.
Highly Flammable Plants some
plant species are high in oil content
and are extremely volatile if ignited.
These include juniper, cypress, bear
clover and Scotch broom. The
hazard assessment team
recommends these species not be
used within 30 feet of structures and
caution be used when these species
are within 100 feet of any structures.
Species such as juniper may be
maintained in such a way to
minimize their hazard by removing
the dead interior of the plant and
Firewise Juniper manicured as topiary
limbing it up from the ground.
with pea gravel hardscape.
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BLM lands (in gold) abuts home development along Friar Tuckand Arrow
Point roads.
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Please remember that there are many actions your community may take to reduce the
effects of wildfire. Your actions directly impact whether your home will survive a
wildfire. In the event of a wildfire, there will NOT be a fire engine to protect every
home in the neighborhood. It is up to you, not firefighting agencies, to ensure the
survivability of your home and community. Take pro-active measures NOW to protect
your home and community before the fire comes. A prepared community is a safer
community.
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