|
Home |
Search the Database |
Display Index |
Contact Us |
Database Login
|
The national database of state and local wildfire hazard mitigation programs
serves as a clearinghouse of information about nonfederal policies and
programs that seek to reduce the risk of loss of life and property through
the reduction of hazardous fuels on private lands. If
you would like to submit a program to the national wildfire programs database,
please complete the following form (MS
Word).
Return to your search results or Perform a new search
|
Title: |
Indiana Public Information Program
|
|
Type: |
Homeowner assistance
Education
|
|
Jurisdiction: |
State
|
|
State: |
Indiana
|
|
Program Description: |
The State of Indiana, Department of Natural Resources, uses public education as its primary tool for reducing wildfire hazards through vegetation management in Wildland Interface Areas.
Public Education Program
The public education program is administered through the local fire districts. Firefighters are trained to conduct home inspections for fire risk, and help homeowners create "action plans," to be better prepared in case of wildfire. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources and it's Division of Forestry has produced two PowerPoint slide presentations which it uses to conduct workshops for fire departments and Project Learning Tree.
Recommended Defensible Space Design
The Fire Hazard Reduction class consists of a � day classroom instruction and � day of field exercises. The Vegetation Management Strategies and Methods PowerPoint show explains the 30 foot model for creating defensible space. It recommends that Zone 1, the first 30 feet around a structure, should have no coniferous trees; deciduous trees should be spaced at least 10 feet from the structure and limbed to 15 feet; plants should be less than 18 inches tall; and grass cut to 3 inches or shorter. Zone 2, the area from 30-50 feet from the structure allows a few well-spaced trees with crowns a minimum of 10 feet apart and limbed to 15 feet, shrubs separated by a distance of two times their height, and grass mown to 6 inches or shorter. In Zone 3, (50-100 feet from the structure), there can be islands of plants and shrubs with three times the distance of the tallest plant between the islands, grass can be up to 12 inches high. Zone 4, an area beyond 100 feet from the structure may need maintenance if the site is steeply sloped, and grass should be kept to 12 inches or less, with no heavy concentrations of fuel. In all four zones, grasses, trees and shrubs should be fire resistant species.
Homeowner Services
Firefighters are trained to conduct home inspections using the "Conducting the Site Safety Inspection" PowerPoint show. Inspectors are trained to check for a well marked street address, driveway width, overhead clearance, and ingress/egress. The inspector explains the 30 foot defensible space model described above to the homeowner, and checks roof, siding, chimney screens, plants, walkways, mulches, decks, fuel storage, firewood, sheds, fences, and debris barrel. Vegetation is inspected for pruning, thinning, and removal of diseased and dying trees. The inspector helps the homeowner prepare an action plan, and suggests a follow-up visit.
Contact Information
For more information, contact Bev Stout via email, or call 765-342-4760.
|
|
