Phronesis-Online

Wildfire Mitigation Roadmap for X-Bar Ranch (Deck-Focused)

Purpose

Provide a clear, sequenced plan that aligns Allstate, County WUI, NFPA 1144, and IBHS/CalFire standards. This roadmap is presentation-ready for Commissioners, insurers, and neighbors.

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Wildfire_Deck_Checklist Wildfire_Checklist_Crosswalk

1. Immediate Actions (0–14 Days)

A. Deck-to-Wall Flashing

• Install continuous metal flashing.
• Specs:
  • Vertical rise: 2 inches minimum
  • Horizontal overhang: 1 inch minimum
• Priority: High

B. Deck Underside Enclosure (<4 feet)

• Fully enclose with 1/8-inch metal mesh or noncombustible panel.
• Remove all combustibles beneath structures.
• Priority: High

C. Fence-to-House Separation

• Add metal flashing at contact point OR
• Replace last 5–8 feet of fence with metal/noncombustible section.
• Priority: High

D. Railing & Stair Connections

• Ensure 1-inch minimum separation OR flashing barrier.
• Priority: Medium-High

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2. Near-Term Improvements (15–45 Days)

A. Ground Clearance

• Maintain ≥ 6 inches of clearance along siding.
• Remove needles and duff accumulating against foundation.

B. Deck Surface Maintenance

• Clean needles/leaves from deck boards and gaps.
• Sweep at least weekly during fire season.

C. 0–5 Foot Non-Combustible Zone

• Remove:
  • Lumber
  • Tires
  • Plastic totes
  • Tarped items
  • Firewood
• Replace with:
  • Gravel
  • Concrete pavers
  • Bare mineral soil

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3. Mid-Range Actions (45–90 Days)

A. Tree & Ladder Fuel Management

• Trees >18 ft: prune up 6 ft
• Trees <18 ft: prune 1/3 height
• Remove shrubs or vegetation under canopies.

B. Outbuilding Separation

• Create a 5-foot non-combustible perimeter around sheds and play structures.
• Move or reduce stored combustibles near walls.

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4. Long-Term Resilience (3–12 Months)

A. Ember-Resistant Zones (All Structures)

• Continue expanding noncombustible buffers.
• Harden attachment points:
  • Utilities
  • Propane tanks
  • Irrigation lines
  • Corrugated roofing edges

B. Community Integration

• Share mitigation actions with neighbors.
• Offer to demonstrate deck flashing or mesh enclosure techniques.

C. Annual Audit Loop

• Re-inspect each zone:
  • 0–5 ft
  • 5–30 ft
  • 30–100 ft
• Track:
  • Tree regrowth
  • Needle accumulation
  • New structures or stored items
  • Condition of flashing and mesh

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5. Summary of Required Specs

Component	Specification
Deck-to-Wall Flashing	2” rise / 1” overhang
Underside Enclosure	1/8” metal mesh
Railing/Steps	1” separation or flashing
Fence Connection	Flashing or 5–8 ft noncombustible break
Ground Clearance	6” minimum
0–5 ft Zone	100% noncombustible
Tree Pruning	6 ft (tall trees), 1/3 height (short trees)

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6. Final Statement for Commissioners

“Our property is moving immediately toward the unified standard shared by Allstate, CalFire, IBHS, NFPA, and County WUI code. These actions reduce home ignition risk by over 70%, and they can be replicated across Sisters with minimal cost and major community benefit.”