The Federal Emergency Management Agency provides the following checklist to help ensure firewise building construction. Next to the checklist is picture taken by the owners of their new home.

Question

Which of the following changes could the owners of the house pictured above make in order to have a firewise home? (Choose 2)
Responses
A Put up a large wooden fence close to the house to block wildfiresPut up a large wooden fence close to the house to block wildfires
B Increase the space between the tree line and the houseIncrease the space between the tree line and the house
C Replace wooden exterior with non-combustible sidingReplace wooden exterior with non-combustible siding
D Replace tiled eaves with pineReplace tiled eaves with pine
E Increase the number of single-paned windowsIncrease the number of single-paned windows
F Build a large wooden deck around the back of the house

Answer 1

To create a firewise home, the owners should focus on choices that minimize the risk of fire spreading to the house. Based on the options provided, the following two changes would be the most beneficial:

B. Increase the space between the tree line and the house - This helps reduce the likelihood of fire reaching the home from nearby vegetation.

C. Replace wooden exterior with non-combustible siding - Non-combustible materials are less likely to ignite in the event of a fire.

The other options would increase the risk of fire damage and are not recommended for a firewise approach.