Airborne embers

Tri Phan

How wildfires, urban conflagrations spread and impact property

Ways that wildfires spread and cause damage to property:

1. Direct flames: Actual flame coming into direct contact with a building/combustible material. (Smith, 2009)
2. *Airborne embers: Flaming airborne embers can travel more than a mile from an active wildfire. More than half of wildland interface home ignitions are from flaming embers landing on roofs/objects. (Smith, 2009)
3. Radiant heat: A wildfire can raise the temperature of nearby combustible materials to the point of ignition. (Smith, 2009)

*An adjacent forest could not burn, while a home does.

Recommended actions:

Consider radiant heat, ember cast

1. Create a wildfire evacuation plan and train employees/inhabitants/family members how to use fire extinguishers
2. Review and distribute a disaster communication plan
3. Create and maintain a supply list
4. Plan how property owners can restore critical operations during unplanned disruption in services
5. Protect property by creating cleared zones that provide less fuel sources for the fire to spread
6. Clean off the roof and gutters to minimize the risk of ignition
7. Back up data to the internet cloud or an offsite drive
8. Review Insurance coverage

First Published May 12, 2023 by Tri Phan, CPCU, ARM