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How to protect your log cabin against forest fires – Fire hazards

As the climate gets hotter and our forests become dryer, there is a greater chance that your log cabin will catch fire in a forest fire. There are many fire mitigation measures you can use to lower this risk. These efforts revolve around taking care of the area surrounding your log cabin home. You can follow several steps that we have outlined.

You can immediately improve the area around your house

The first and most important step is to move any fuel that could be used to heat your cabin at least 10m. This includes fuel tanks, firewood, and composting holes. Even a spark can set fire to these items. You need to ensure that they are far enough from the cabin so that even if they do catch on fire, they don’t spread to other rooms.

The next and most important step is to take care of the area around your log cabin. All dry leaves should be removed and composted. They can catch fire quickly and cause serious damage to your cabin. Collect and dispose of any fallen branches that have caught fire quickly. You should also disperse any plantation of bushes, whether they are aesthetic or fruit-bearing. Small and medium bushes pose the greatest fire hazard in dry seasons. Their small branches can easily transfer flame to nearby bushes.

Finally, remove all wild bushes from your immediate vicinity. Even small, coniferous plants can catch fire when there is just a spark during dry season. To prevent your log cabin’s rapid spread of fire, remove all of them. Keep the grass trimmed, as it can spread flames if it is left uncut. There are some areas that have strict regulations regarding grass growth. It cannot grow closer than 10m from your home. If there is no such regulation in your area, make sure your grass stays low and neat.

Take down trees and any wild growth

You should never go beyond the 15 m radius in your area. Always be aware of wild growth. You should remove as many coniferous trees as possible from your area. These trees, such as pine, spruce and others, can catch fire quickly and create a lot sparks. Low branches, if they are not possible to remove, can be removed. The branches are usually responsible for spreading the flames when a fire is burning. Unless the fire burns long and is large, the trunks of trees will usually remain intact.

Because of their higher water content, deciduous trees such as maple, oak and beech are slower to ignite. These trees are safer to grow near log cabins. You should still be careful to remove any low branches. Deciduous trees shed many leaves each autumn so be careful and get rid of all the fallen leaves before they dry out. You should make sure that no trees are hanging over your cabin’s roof. If they do, they can quickly transfer the flame onto your roof.

Beyond the 15 m radius, nature usually takes control and trees and shrubs continue to grow normally. You can also take the time to remove small bushes that are not within your territory. This will make it easier for fire to stay away from your log cabin. You should do this within a radius of 30m around your cabin.

Cabin location

The possibility of a raging fire can also be mitigated if you pick the right location before building your cabin. You should choose a location that is near a water source such as a lake or river. These types of sites tend to retain more moisture, and there is a lower chance of forest fire.

You will also need to increase the clearing area for fire hazards bushes and leaves if your lot slopes. Because fire burns the leaves and branches that fall down slopes, it ignites faster. Your log cabin may also be a hindrance.

Even though these last bits of advice may seem insignificant, they can be very helpful in an emergency. A hose with water should be kept at the ready from every side of your log house. Your log cabin should be kept away from other buildings and plants. To prevent the fire spreading, make sure you surround your open fire pit with rocks. To catch all the embers, place your grill on a concrete surface. Make sure you plan your lot with safety and make sure your family and friends are safe. Good luck!