Given the number and gravity of wildfires in southeast Manitoba, one volunteer firefighting is offering his expertise to help home owners protect their homes.
Evan Ramage says he has been a volunteer firefighter for more than four years, and is certified through the National Fire Protection Association in regards to reducing wildfire risk to property.
"The biggest mistake that homeowners make is relying on the belief that fire won't happen to them," he says. "No community is immune from wildfires."
It can take some work, but he says the emotional gain can be more than worth it.
How can you protect your home?
Ramage says there are affordable ways to protect ones home against fire threats.
That includes maintaining a healthy lawn, removing dead shrubs and trees, keeping gutters clean and free of combustibles, and removing piles of leaves and pine needles from yards and roofs.
There are three zones he says to pay attention to when securing your home.
"The immediate zone is zero to five feet from your home. The intermediate is five to 30 feet, and the extended zone is 30 to 100 feet." Ramage explains.
He says the immediate zone should have ignition resistant materials, kept as non-combustible as possible. For example, replacing mulch with decorative stone.
The intermediate zone is where proper landscaping and property maintenance is key.
"Space out plants, and use the best materials for outdoor furniture. Obviously metal is going to be the most fire resistant," Ramage says.
In the extended zone, he says it's important to keep trees cleared and grass maintained.
"If you have trees, especially ever greens, trim those lower branches," he says.
"I recommend trimming them three to four feet from the ground, because quite often these fires will spread rapidly across dried grass and vegetation n the ground, and if those limbs are hanging, they are easily ignited."
Written with files from Carly Koop