PROPERTY ACCESS:
- Address numbers must be visible to responding emergency service personnel from the roadway.
- Roadways more than 150′ long must have fuel breaks 10′ wide on each edge of the roadway.
- Overhanging obstructions must be cleared to 13’6″ above the roadway.
ZONE 1: Immediate Zone – Start at the house out to 5 feet:
- Clean roofs and gutters of dead leaves, debris and pine needles that could catch embers,
- Repair any loose or missing shingles or roof tiles to prevent ember penetration.
- Install 1/8 inch metal mesh screening on vents to keep embers out.
- Insure an approved chimney cap is installed to reduce embers,
- Trim branches away from chimneys at least 10 feet.
- Move any flammable material away from wall exteriors. Stack firewood outside the Immediate Zone.
- Remove anything flammable stored underneath decks or porches.
ZONE 2:*. Intermediate Zone – From 5 feet to 30 feet from the house – or to the property line, whichever is less
- Clear vegetation 10 feet from stationary propane tanks.
- Keep lawns and native grasses mowed to a height of four inches or less.
- Remove ladder fuels (vegetation under trees). Prune trees up to six feet from the ground.
- For trees shorter than 18 feet tall, trim above the ground to 1/3 of the overall tree height.
- Space trees to have approximately 10 feet between crowns or approximately 40 trees per Vz acre.
- Tree placement planned so the mature canopy is at least 10 feet from the edge of the structure.
- Trees and shrubs in this zone should be limited to clusters breaking up the continuity of the vegetation across the landscape.
ZONE 3:* Extended Zone – From 30 feet to 100 feet – or to the property line, whichever is less:
- Dispose of heavy accumulations of ground litter/debris.
- Keep lawns and native grasses mowed to a height of four inches or less.
- Remove dead plant and tree material.
- Remove small conifers growing between mature trees.
- Remove vegetation adjacent to storage sheds or other outbuildings within this area.
- Trees 30 to 100 feet from the home should have separation between the canopy tops.
*A tree removal permit may be required (Payson Code of Ordinances Title XV Ch. 153).
“Reference the “native and low water” plant list from the Town of Payson Water Department
*Free brush pits and burn permits are available to dispose of yard waste.
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We live in a unique area that has some special problems associated with community interface between forest and town. One of these special problems is the threat that we face with devastating wildfire. The Payson Citizens Firewise Committee Is an education and advisory council made up of members of our community who see the need in addressing the risk of wildfire spread in our town. We also have trained personnel who can assess homes and property for reducing the risk of wildfire spread with in our neighborhoods. The Committee has put together this page to help you understand the risk and the need to Firewise your property. We hope that the information in this packet is helpful in guiding you to an understanding of reducing wildfire risks.
If you have any questions or you need a property assessment, please contact the Committee Chairman Alan MacKay 909-435-5795 oradrescue77@gmail.com
LINKS TO WILDFIRE INFORMATION:
https://mappingsupport.com/p2/gissurfer.php
For more information visit – http://www.paysonaz.gov
