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2018 Wildfire Risk Assessment & Action Plan

Lakehills / Southpointe Firewise USA Community, El Dorado Hills, CA

In 2013, an initial Firewise risk assessment of Lakehills community was performed by a team of residents, local fire department personnel and Firewise advisor. In 2014, an adjacent neighborhood, Southpointe, went through the same effort aided by retired Cal Fire personnel, local fire department’s fire marshal and residents of both Lakehills and Southpointe. This is the basis for the joint Lakehills / Southpointe Firewise USA Community.

The organization supporting this Firewise Community is the Lakehills Fire Safe Council (LHFSC). It is an independent, all volunteer, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization and is an associate of the El Dorado County Fire Safe Council. The LHFSC board consists of 7 members, 2 of which represent specific developments. There are 2 separate El Dorado Hills Firewise USA Communities under LHFSC’s umbrella: Lakehills / Southpointe and Lakeridge Oaks. LHFSC meetings, educational material and support are available to all interested individuals and neighborhoods.

This 2018 updated risk assessment applies to the Lakehills / Southpointe Firewise USA Community.

Table of Contents CWPP ............................................................................................................................................................ 2

2013 Assessment with updates ................................................................................................................... 3

Wildfire Initiating on Public Property ....................................................................................................... 3

Wood Shake Roofs .................................................................................................................................... 6

Unmitigated Vacant Lots .......................................................................................................................... 6

Residential Flammable Vegetation ........................................................................................................... 7

Residential Wooden Attachments ............................................................................................................ 7

Debris-filled Shallow Drainages ................................................................................................................ 7

Outreach ....................................................................................................................................................... 8

Strategic Partnerships .................................................................................................................................. 9

Action Plan .................................................................................................................................................. 10

Summary ..................................................................................................................................................... 10

Newsletter sample ..................................................................................................................................... 11

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CWPP Completed:

In addition to the risk assessment completed to meet Firewise requirements in 2013, the Lakehills Fire Safe Council (LHFSC) initiated and completed a Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) in 2014. This included a door-to-door assessment of all residences in Lakehills and Southpointe. Houses were evaluated and grouped into 3 categories by a registered professional forester: wood shake roofing (red); needs treatment (yellow); currently fire safe compliant (green). That map is included below:

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2013 Assessment’s Important Considerations with 2018 updates:

The wildfire risk factors of steep topography, weather conditions in summer (high temperatures & low humidity), wind factors and the community’s proximity to a recreation area cannot be changed. The heavy fuel load risk (predominately oaks and grey pines) in the adjoining Folsom Lake State Recreation Area (FLSRA) is due to many years of unmitigated and unmanaged vegetative growth. However, in 2018, these communities can proudly acknowledge a major reduction of fuels in and around the WUI.

Wildfire Initiating on Public Property

Much progress has been made addressing the # 1 wildfire concern: illegal campfire(s) from the heavily utilized, contiguous recreation areas possibly blowing up steep slopes and igniting the communities.

Lakehills Fire Safe Council has collaborated, planned and managed vegetation management projects within these neighboring public lands (FLSRA). Together with Bureau of Reclamation, CA State Parks and CA Conservation Corps partners, over 5 consecutive years of projects have removed fuels and created a shaded fuel break (Folsom Lake SFB). The results are limbed up trees, removed understory brush, cleared drainages, thinned tree canopies and significant reduction of grey pines, unhealthy oaks and ladder fuel in FLSRA. Reference map on page 5.

DESCRIPTION ACRES TREATED VALUE STATUS

SFB 2012-2015 43 $218,643 COMPLETE

SFB 2016 7.25 $16,692 COMPLETE

SFB 2017 25 $97,200 COMPLETE

SFB 2018 28 $49,920 COMPLETE

TOTALS 103.25 $382,455 COMPLETE

PHOTOS OF SHADED FUEL BREAK WORK IN FOLSOM LAKE STATE RECREATION AREA (2017):

(BEFORE) (AFTER)

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(BEFORE) (AFTER)

Folsom Lake State Recreation Area’s day users often utilize the Lakehills neighborhood to access the lake. This is mostly young folks wanting to enjoy the area but preferring to avoid the official fee entrances. In summer, this sometimes leads to parties, bonfires, alcoholic beverages and large numbers of people gathered. To alert all recreational users, Lakehills Fire Safe Council requested & received support from the Lakehills Civic Association; they sponsored Lakehills entrance monument signs which include Firewise signage and incorporate a fire danger gauge. These monument signs are posted at both Lakehills’ entrances.

As a further preventative measure to deter illegal campfires, State Parks posted permanent signs at multiple FLSRA entry points within the Lakehills neighborhood. These signs clearly state that campfires are not allowed and also advise of other park usage rules.

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The Folsom Lake Shaded Fuel Break consists of approximately 110 acres, broken into 7 phases. All are located in the public FLSRA property. Phases 1, 3, 6 and 7 are in the same peninsula as the Lakehills and Southpointe communities. Lakehills Fire Safe Council has completed & plans more projects in the area. In the map above, yellow is “completed”, green is “no treatment required”, and orange is “treatment planned”. The purple swath in the upper right (near Phases 6 & 7) shows the “LH2” project location; this Southpointe Shaded Fuel Break is on private property and is currently in process (reference page 6).

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In addition to concern about wildfire initiating on public lands, additional important considerations within the community were noted in the 2013 Firewise Assessment. A 2018 update for each consideration is provided below:

Wood Shake Roofs:

In the 2014 CWPP assessment of Lakehills community, there were 9 residences with original wood shake roofing. As of June 2018, 6 of those 9 roofs (66%) have been replaced with Class A roofs. With the community’s homes being remodeled and/or changing ownership, it is expected that the few remaining wood shake roofs will be replaced as those older roofs have reached end of life.

Unmitigated Vacant Lots:

In 2016, Lakehills Fire Safe Council applied for a grant from PG&E, the local gas and electric provider. The project’s scope of work included vegetation management/shaded fuel break prescription work on vacant lots and removal of dead or dangerous trees. Lakehills’ lots had accumulated brush and fuel as they had not been maintained over the years; many are held by absentee owners. Trees that were deemed dangerous to public safety or too close to PG&E assets were selected. After rights of entry were obtained, 10 trees were removed and 15 vacant lots were treated.

DESCRIPTION TREATED & REMOVED VALUE STATUS

15 vacant lots Lakehills 7 acres and 10 trees $30,837 COMPLETE (2016)

In 2017, Lakehills Fire Safe Council applied for and was awarded an SRA grant (CA Dept. of Forestry / Cal Fire). The project’s scope of work includes creating a fire break / shaded fuel break on Iron Mountain, which is located within the Southpointe community. This “LH2” vegetation management project is on private property: specifically, multiple large-acreage lots. The owners and the HOA have been very supportive. The steep topography uphill from Folsom Lake and heavy, unmitigated vegetation are great risk factors facing the community and surrounding areas. In the advent of a wildfire, there are currently few access points or staging areas for emergency responders. This shaded fuel break will reduce fuel and wildfire spread, and will provide better access for emergency responders in the event of a wildfire. Reference map on page 5.

DESCRIPTION ACRES VALUE STATUS

LH2 Project - SFB Southpointe

38 $133,000 IN PROCESS: 2019 COMPLETION

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Residential Flammable Vegetation

The Lakehills Fire Safe Council (LHFSC) distributes educational material promoting well-maintained, appropriate and healthy landscaping. Neighbors are provided literature including Cal Fire and Firewise brochures about defensible space. Annually, LHFSC coordinates a door-to-door campaign to provide information about reducing wildfire risks and safety tips. All residents (Lakehills, Southpointe and Lakeridge Oaks) receive this educational information and further, can obtain specific information about flammable vegetation by attending meetings or using internet links provided in the monthly newsletter.

In the monthly newsletters and at public meetings, LHFSC offers educational topics including fire resistant plants, how to create and maintain defensible space, plant / tree care instruction, spacing of trees on steep slopes, limbing up trees and how to participate in a defensible space residential review. In association with the El Dorado County Fire Safe Council’s free chipper program, LHFSC promotes and advertises this service to our communities.

Residential Wooden Attachments (fences, window boxes, decks, etc.)

The Lakehills Fire Safe Council (LHFSC) distributes educational material promoting hardening the home and advising risks of wooden decking and fences. Neighbors are provided literature including Cal Fire and Firewise brochures about defensible space.

Annually, LHFSC coordinates a door-to-door distribution providing information about reducing wildfire risks and safety tips. All residents (Lakehills, Southpointe and Lakeridge Oaks) receive this educational information and further, can obtain specific information about flammable wooden attachments by attending meetings or using internet links provided in the monthly newsletter.

In the monthly newsletters and at public meetings, LHFSC offers educational topics including risk of home fires, NFPA safety tip sheets, how to create and maintain defensible space, results from IBHS research, and how to participate in a defensible space residential review.

Debris-filled Shallow Drainages

The rolling and occasional steep terrain of the area creates many drainages in both Lakehills and Southpointe. The FLSRA shaded fuel break work cleared many that had overgrown and filled with debris. The LH2 project will address problem drainages in Southpointe. Additionally, Southpointe HOA has an annual weed abatement requirement, which includes reviewing those drainages at risk. In 2018, 90% of the residents were in compliance by May 31st. This is an on-going wildfire safety issue that requires constant management and action.

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Lakehills Fire Safe Council has become a reliable resource for the residents of Lakehills / Southpointe Firewise USA community. Their other actions and practices keep awareness and education in the forefront:

Outreach – Firewise Education:

Once a year, Lakehills Fire Safe Council (LHFSC) organizes to provide all residents educational wildfire prevention and safety information. This annual campaign leaves an invitation to the Firewise Event and educational info on every doorstep (about 400). Email addresses are also requested to grow the LHFSC’s electronic database (used to distribute monthly newsletters and meeting notices).

2013 Firewise Event: distributed Cal Fire’s “100 foot Defensible Space” flyer to every resident. Event’s theme was Defensible Space (LHFSC)

2014 Firewise Event: distributed University of Nevada Cooperative Extension’s “Be Ember Aware” brochure. Event’s theme was plant maintenance & water conservation tips during drought (El Dorado Irrigation District)

2015 Firewise Event: distributed Cal Fire’s “Evacuation Tips” flyer to every resident. Event’s theme was oak tree maintenance (Arborists)

2016 Firewise Event: distributed Cal Fire’s Homeowner’s Checklist brochure to every resident. Event’s theme was fire resistant & deer resistant landscaping (Green Acres Nursery)

2017 Firewise Event: distributed Red Cross’ “Wildfire Safety Checklist” to every resident. Event’s theme was Evacuation (El Dorado County Human Services and Safety, Emergency Preparedness)

2018 Firewise Event: distributed Firewise’s “Reducing Wildfire Risks” poster to every resident. Event’s theme was ‘Be on Your Own for 72 hours’ – Emergency Preparedness (Red Cross)

Outreach: Meetings/Newsletter/Involvement:

Current LHFSC schedule is 7 public meetings per year (March through October) and 1 Firewise Event in May. Subjects have included Cal Fire’s READY SET GO program, Evacuation, Defensible Space, Firewise Landscaping, CWPP projects, agency presentations, El Dorado Hills Fire Dept. and Cal Fire speakers, etc.

The LHFSC Newsletter is emailed monthly with topics including defensible space, El Dorado County Fire Safe Council free chipping service, emergency contact numbers, project updates, safety, etc. See example of newsletter (see page 11)

In 2018, LHFSC requested all residents perform a defensible space self-evaluation using the CA PRC 4291-based checklist. There are 4 Cal Fire-trained LHFSC Board members who can also assist residents with this review. See Defensible Space Review form on page 9.

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(Defensible Space Review Form)

Strategic Partnerships:

Lakehills Fire Safe Council (LHFSC) has invested much time in creating and expanding partnerships to create synergistic and beneficial relationships. The Council is a resource for those agencies wanting to reach communities and for those residents wanting to resolve issues.

Bureau of Reclamation (FLSRA land is federally owned)

CA State Parks (manages FLSRA)

California Conservation Corps (work crews)

El Dorado Hills Fire Dept.

El Dorado County Fire Safe Council

PG&E

Elected Officials

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Action Plan:

LH2 Project is funded for $133,000. Vegetation work will commence in the fall of 2018. Funds will be consumed by March 2019. Due to the steep topography, all existing grant monies may be exhausted before finishing the fire break. LHFSC is researching additional funding sources.

Lakehills Fire Safe Council (LHFSC) will continue to work on projects as specified in the CWPP and will seek additional funding to support.

In 2018-2019, LHFSC plans to perform a door-to-door assessment evaluating defensible space and fire risk for Lakehills and Southpointe residents. LHFSC is awaiting the outcome of an El Dorado County Fire Safe Council grant application; if awarded, this funding may support hiring the same registered professional forester to repeat the 2014 CWPP assessment. Depending on the outcome of this review, LHFSC will coordinate with EDH Fire Dept. to deliver notices to the most extreme, non-compliant residents and encourage actions to resolve the issue(s). This second risk assessment will also provide comparison data and identify areas for new projects.

To be sustainable and to continue as a vital organization, a succession plan for LHFSC Board members will be developed.

Summary:

The Lakehills / Southpointe Firewise USA Community has made significant strides in decreasing risk from and increasing community awareness of the threat of wildfire. Completed shaded fuel break projects have treated and re-treated over 110 acres, putting grant funds of more than $410,000 toward reducing dangerous fuel levels. Lakehills Fire Safe Council (LHFSC) is especially proud of our ongoing relationships with our stakeholders: Cal Fire, El Dorado Hills Fire Dept., PG&E, California Conservation Corps, California State Parks, Bureau of Reclamation and local homeowners’ associations. LHFSC has proven to agencies with local jurisdiction that the Council is a reliable and active partner; LHFSC continues to stress our value with an eye on future funding that will support on-going vegetation management projects.

At the grass roots level, LHFSC consistently advises individual action and urges residents to be proactive in creating and maintaining their defensible space. The monthly newsletters & meetings, together with the annual Firewise events and door-to-door distributions of educational material, promote awareness, safety, preventative actions and best practices.

Due to California’s changing environment and news coverage of the frightening and growing number of yearly wildfires, the reality and possibility of wildfire here is an accepted fact. Challenges lay ahead and vegetation continues to grow, but Lakehills / Southpointe Firewise USA Community has proven that neighbors working together can accomplish great things!

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EMBERS, the Hidden Risk in Wildfire EMBERS, the Hidden Risk in Wildfire EMBERS, the Hidden Risk in Wildfire ——— Richard YoungRichard YoungRichard Young

Lakehills Fire Safe Council Community Bulletin Promoting Fire Safe CommunitiesPromoting Fire Safe CommunitiesPromoting Fire Safe Communities

E L D O R A D O H I L L S , C A

L A K E H I L L S E S T A T E S - A F I R E W I S E C O M M U N I T Y

S O U T H P O I N T E - A F I R E W I S E C O M M U N I T Y

L A K E R I D G E O A K S - A F I R E W I S E C O M M U N I T Y

October 2017

Next Council Meeting

Tuesday, October 10th

7:00 PM

EDH Fire Department

Main Fire Station #85

El Dorado Hills Blvd. and

Wilson Blvd.

Lakehills Fire SafeSafe Council is a community organization. Join and EmailEmail us at: lakehillsfiresafecouncil@gmail.com

Join us at our final 2017

meeting—informative and

educational. Communities

working together is a val-

uable resource. BRING

NEIGHBORS. ALL IN-

TERESTED WELCOME!

Refreshments served.

Contribute to LHFSC by

selecting us as your non-

profit choice on

AmazonSmile. Thanks!

<CLICK HERE>

Reporting Numbers to Call

Report non-desired activities in

a proper and timely fashion.

Report illegal parking or

traffic problems to the

Highway Patrol

(916) 861-1300.

Report illegal parkland

activities to State Parks

(916) 358-1300.

Report illegal activity on

non-park properties to the

Sheriff (530) 621-6600.

Unwanted Wood?Unwanted Wood?Unwanted Wood?

Do you have large tree wood, trunk and limb pieces on your property that you don’t want

and/or you don’t know of how to dispose? Whether the wood is from your own efforts or

from PG&E due to power line maintenance, there may be options for you.

If wood on your property is due to PG&E work, you may qualify for the PG&E Wood

Management Program where the wood will be removed at no charge to you. To see if you

qualify, call the Wood Management Program at 800-743-5000.

If wood on your property is from your own efforts, the Seventh Day Adventist Firewood

Ministry may be able to help. Contact Lloyd Ogan, 530-644-0338 (Mon.-Fri., 8-5 pm).

2018 Plans for the Fire Safe Council2018 Plans for the Fire Safe Council2018 Plans for the Fire Safe Council

Use grant funding to create a shaded fuel break on Iron Mountain (Southpointe)

Continue vegetation management & fuel reduction on US Bureau of Reclamation /

CA Park land

Schedule speakers for our March—October monthly meetings on a variety of topics

covering local governance, fire safety, UCD master gardeners, 2017 wildfire re-cap,

EDHFD updates, etc. Celebrate accomplishments at the annual Firewise BBQ in May.

Encourage neighbors to create defensible space; Increase our value to agency partners.

We all are aware of the negative impact that direct contact with a wildfire will have on our

homes; the Lakehills Fire Safe Council has been working hard to help our community by

working with our agency partners to create numerous 100 foot safety zones on the public

land boundaries bordering private properties in the community. These safety zones are

termed “shaded fuel breaks” and are used in forest management strategy to mitigate the

threat of wildfire in areas where natural fire regimes have been suppressed, leading to a

dangerous buildup of combustible vegetation. Constructing a shaded fuel break is the pro-

cess of selectively thinning and removing more flammable understory vegetation while

leaving the majority of larger, more fire-tolerant tree species in place.

While the Fire Safe Council focuses partners on the criticality and seeks funding to create

and maintain these shaded fuel breaks, we also urgently encourage homeowner participa-

tion in the continuation of these safety zones by maintaining their own property’s fuel haz-

ards. Obvious is the need to remove the combustible materials near each home: clearing

dry grass and limbing up trees to remove the fuel nearest to the ground.

What is often overlooked is the protection of the home from potential flying embers that

can be up to a mile ahead of a wildfire. These embers can be blown into the vicinity of the

home—even though the fire has not reached the property—and can be disastrous to the

home and may prevent it from being saved. Here are preventive tools for homeowners -

see FEMA’s checklist: <CLICK LINK> and see pages 2-3 articles: “Decks” & “Roofs”

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Reducing Vulnerability to Wildfire Reducing Vulnerability to Wildfire Reducing Vulnerability to Wildfire --- Deck Fact Sheet Deck Fact Sheet Deck Fact Sheet --- NFPANFPANFPA

The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) Wildfire Division provides information, educational resources, trainings

and conferences for wildfire stakeholders to help reduce their risk of wildfire damage to homes and property. They also

administer the Firewise USA program (both Lakehills/Southpointe and Lakeridge Oaks are Firewise communities). The

Fire Safe Council often uses NFPA resources when writing our monthly newsletters.

This month, NFPA provides information about decks and roofs and their associated risks of igniting homes in a wildfire

situation. Fire is spread in three ways: embers/firebrands, radiant heat exposure or direct flame contact. Many homes

located in wildfire-prone areas have attached decks, which can potentially spread fire to the house if ignited during a

wildfire. NFPA shares a new fact sheet with recommendations to help protect your deck and home (see page 3). In addi-

tion, see information from NFPA about roofs below.

RISK REDUCTION WITH PREVENTIVE ACTIONS:

1) Roofs should be Class A. Roof covering fire ratings are Class A, B, C, or unrated. Class A provides the best performance. Some Class A roof coverings are

asphalt fiberglass composition shingles, concrete and flat/barrel-shaped tiles. If materials have a “by assembly” Class A fire rating,

that means additional materials must be used between the roof covering and sheathing to attain that rating. Examples include alumi-

num, recycled plastic and rubber and some fire-retardant wood shake products. If a wood shake roof does not have the manufactur-

er’s documentation specifying the fire retardant, assume it’s untreated.

Flat and barrel-shaped tiles, metal, and cement roof coverings can have gaps between the roof covering and sheathing, which typi-

cally occur at the ridge and edge of roofs. These openings can allow birds and rodents to build nests with materials that are easily

ignited by embers. Flames can spread to the structural support members, bypassing the protection offered by a Class A rated roof

covering. Plugging these openings between the roof covering and the roof deck, is commonly called “bird stopping”.

2) Remove debris on roof and in gutters at least 2 times each year. Wind-blown debris (including leaves & pine needles from nearby) will accumulate on roofs and in gutters. Dry debris can be ignited

by wind-blown embers. These flames can extend to the edge of the roof and to adjacent siding. Even with Class A fire-rated roof

coverings, vertical surfaces next to the roof edge will be exposed to flames from the ignited debris. Regularly remove debris.

3) Remove branches overhanging the roof.

4) Inspect exposed areas under soffits and eaves to ensure material is in good condition. Post-fire research has shown attic vents, roof and gable end vents and under-eave areas are entry points for embers and flames

5) Cover vents with noncombustible, corrosion-resistant 1/8-inch metal mesh screens.

6) Inspect and maintain your roof. Replace when necessary.

Roofs Roofs Roofs --- Implement these 6 actionsImplement these 6 actionsImplement these 6 actions ——— from IBHS and NFPAfrom IBHS and NFPAfrom IBHS and NFPA

Firewise Landscaping Ideas Firewise Landscaping Ideas Firewise Landscaping Ideas

Firewise landscaping goal:

limit flammable vegetation &

material surrounding the

home

BUILDING CODE REQUIREMENTSThe International Wildland Urban Interface Building Code (IWUIC) and the California Building Code are the most commonly refer-enced construction codes for wildfi re-prone areas; both include requirements that focus on the walking surfaces of decks. Noncom-bustible products are allowed by both codes.

The California Code provides provisions for accepting combustible decking products. These types of products are more commonly used by homeowners living in wildfi re-prone areas across the country. Their requirement governs the amount of heat released when

combustible decking is ignited by a gas burner. This mimics burning debris that could be located under the deck, or burning vegetation impinging on the underside of the deck, but does not mimic ember exposure. Combustible decking products that comply with the California Code can be found at: http://osfm.fi re.ca.gov/licensinglistings/licenselisting_bml_searchcotest.

The IWUIC prohibits common combustible deck boards with the exception of fi re-retardant treated decking (rated for outdoor exposure) and other materials

that meet the requirements of an Ignition Resistant Material. However, as of this date, no other materials meet these requirements. The IWUIC allows an enclosed deck option that uses a horizontal construction attached to the bottom of the deck joists. This option should only be used with a solid surface deck. Using this option with deck boards (and the associated gaps), will cause moisture-related degradation problems (corrosion of fasteners and wood rot). Water from rain or melting snow will easily get into the enclosed space and will have a much harder time getting out.

Combustible materials should not be stored beneath decks. This will effectively create a noncombustible zone under the entire footprint of the deck.

Routinely remove debris that accumulates in between deck board gaps and debris that can accumulate at the intersection between the deck and house.

If the deck is a non-fi re-retardant treated softwood deck, consider removing and replacing deck boards within a few feet of the house. Be careful to match the deck board thickness.

When building new decks, select deck boards that comply with the California Building Code requirements. If using wood joists, cover the top and part of the sides with a foil-faced bitumen tape product.

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RECOMMENDATIONS FOR YOUR DECK:

WILDFIRE RESEARCH FACT SHEETAUGUST 2017 EDITION

DecksReduce the Vulnerability of Your Deck to Wildfi re

©Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety

©Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety

A B C

MANY HOMES LOCATED IN WILDFIRE-PRONE AREAS HAVE ATTACHED DECKS, WHICH CAN POTENTIALLY SPREAD FIRE TO THE HOUSE WHEN IGNITED DURING A WILDFIRE. A burning deck can ignite siding or break the glass in doors or windows, allowing fi re to gain entry into the house. Consequently, making decks less vulnerable to wildfi re also makes your house less vulnerable. Reducing the deck’s vulnerability requires an approach that focuses on the materials and design features used to build the deck, and creating a noncombustible zone around and under the deck.

EMBER EXPOSURE AND IGNITIONWalking surfaces of decks are either solid surface or constructed using deck boards (with between board gaps). Solid surface decks are commonly light weight concrete or tile. Combustible deck board types include: solid wood and wood-plastic composites (these products are more widely used than noncombustible deck boards). Noncombustible deck board types include: metal and fi ber cement. Recent testing at the IBHS Research Center showed embers mostly lodge between deck board gaps and where deck boards rest on joists. Embers can accumulate and potentially ignite decking and combustible joists. Embers can also fall through board gaps and land on materials stored beneath the deck. It’s critical to remove all combustible materials from the under-deck area to minimize the opportunity for ignitions; where resulting fl ames would impinge on the decking (some wood-plastic decking products are vulnerable to fl aming exposures).

IBHS tests also showed that even without vegetative debris in between deck gaps, medium density softwood decking products, such as redwood or western redcedar are vulnerable to ember ignitions. Most wood-plastic composites, along with higher density tropical hardwood, and fi re-retardant treated decking products are less vulnerable to embers. The vulnerability to embers in these locations is a reminder to remove debris that accumulates in these areas.

Embers that pass through deck board gaps will land on the ground, or on combustible materials stored under the deck, as shown during this IBHS test.

The near home noncombustible zone that surrounds the foundation should include a noncombustible area underneath the deck.

Vegetative debris in between deck board gaps will make this location even more vulnerable to ember accumulation.

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