2026 “JUST IN TIME” WILDFIRE MITIGATION ACTIONS

Wildfire season 2026 is predicted to be hot, dry and windy. Here are some ACTIONS to minimize wildfire effects around your home and to prevent embers igniting inside a structure.

Remove all combustible materials at least 30 feet from a structure. This includes firewood, gas cans, equipment, lawnmowers, anything that can burn.

Mow grass, limb trees, remove all flammable debris and construction materials away from structures for at least 30 feet.

If possible, keep the vegetation within 30 feet of a structure watered, green and short.

Remove brush from around propane tanks if tank is within 30 feet of a structure.

Remove all fuels such as leaves, dead vegetation, sticks, needles at least 10 feet away from structures. Do not pile these materials, scatter them so they are not a continuous fuelbed or take them to a slash disposal site or the dump.

Use 1/8 inch screen or mesh to cover vents, top of chimney and roof vents, and other holes to prevent embers from entering your structure.

Dryer or Central Vacuum): Ensure your vent has functional louvers or a flap to reduce ember entry and keep clear of lint. Do not use metal mesh on dryer vents, as it may trap lint and obstruct airflow, creating a fire hazard.

Screen (1/8 inch) under decks, porches, steps, landings, lattice to prevent ember entry.

Move combustible deck furniture and other items indoors during Red Flag Warning days or when leaving home for extended periods.

Continuously clean gutters of all vegetative material

Continuously remove vegetative material from flammable roofs.

Post the address of your structure so fire personnel can easily see it.

 

Steps to take to mitigate cut material from igniting during active fuels reduction projects.

For cut green material, it takes 4-6 weeks for the material to dry enough to burn. Remove that material within 4 weeks before it becomes really flammable. Remove sooner if there are RED FLAG warnings or if your area is in high to extreme fire danger.

If chipping slash, chip the material as soon as possible while the slash is still green and moist. Spread chips to a maximum depth of 3 inches.

 If piling cut material slash), move it out from under the dripline or canopy of remaining trees, ideally move them at least 10 feet from remaining vegetation even if those remaining trees are limbed. Dead material should be removed as soon as possible and not piled away from remaining vegetation.

Contact your local fire department or mitigation working group for additional information and steps to take to mitigate wildfire around your property this summer

For more information email us at gyfireactionnetwork.@gmail.com , check out our website https://firenetworks.org/greater-yellowstone-fire-action-network/ or follow us on Facebook.