Flying embers are as much to blame for property loss during wildfire events as the actual leading edge of the fire. The Los Angeles County Fire Department estimates that embers cause the ignition of at least 50 percent of homes that burn in wildfires.
A special presentation at the Topanga Library on December 5 at 6 p.m. will provide information on how Topanga residents can mitigate this risk.
As the Woolsey and Camp Fires have shown, embers carried by strong winds fly through the air and rain down on vulnerable homes. Once homes ignite they create intense heat and more embers that then ignite other nearby homes. This turns what would be a fast-moving wildfire into an inferno, putting neighborhoods at risk and making it dangerous for vital first-responders to enter the area.
By taking action long before a wildfire threatens, homeowners can address vulnerabilities. Beth Burnam and Ryan Ulyate, co-presidents of the North Topanga Canyon Fire Safe Council, are presenting the hour-long program on how homeowners can reduce the risk of ember-driven fires. The event will include video shot in Topanga featuring Stephen Quarles from the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety.
In addition, members of the NTCFSC Home Ignition Zone Evaluation team will be present to answer questions and share what they have learned from looking at over 175 Topanga homes. With an abundance of dry vegetation and wildfire season upon us, it’s all the more important for Topangans to take proactive steps that will make their home, neighborhoods, and the entire community safer.
Will your House Survive When the Embers Arrive is scheduled for 6 p.m. on December 5 at the Topanga Library, 122 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga, CA 90290. The event is free but RSVP is requested: firesafe@ntcfsc.org)