Why?
During a wildfire, embers can travel long distances ahead of the flame front and ignite combustible materials.
- Embers can easily ignite dry leaves, firewood, and other flammable items stored beneath decks.
- Flammable debris accumulates over time, increasing your wildfire risk.
- Once the deck ignites, fire can spread directly to your home.
- Even noncombustible items under the deck will tend to trap combustible debris. Best not to use this area for storage.
Ideally, the area beneath your deck should be free of any material all year long.
How?
Whether you take on this task yourself or hire a professional, follow these key steps:
- Remove all combustible materials from under your deck.
- This includes firewood stacks, cardboard boxes, plastic containers, outdoor furniture, cushions, gasoline cans, propane tanks, or other flammable liquids.
- Clear out natural debris.
- This includes dry leaves, pine needles and twigs, wood mulch, any vegetation or overgrown grass and weeds.
- Rake to bare mineral soil beneath the deck.
- If vegetation tends to regenerate easily, consider adding weed barrier and gravel or pavers to facilitate maintenance.
When?
Maintain the area regularly by:
- Clearing out debris at least once per season
- Keeping plants and mulch at least 5 feet away from the deck
- Storing flammable materials in a shed or garage, not under the deck