by Linda Martin / Heather Hanson
Although it is pushing eighty degrees today in the canyon; the colors of the turning leaves, and wild turkeys running around, let us know it is definitely Fall! As we dream of snowflakes, we are still very much under threat of wildfires. The heat, falling dead leaves, and blustery conditions are a sobering wildfire recipe for our canyon, and our state.
One of the most useful things you can do to protect your home, and your neighbor’s, is to practice defensible space. Defensible space can suggest alternate paths for a fire to follow away from your house. Any action is worthwhile for the health of your space. While it is easy to be overwhelmed, it is perceivably more manageable to attack in small and consistent steps. Start with the 30 foot radius around your primary living space, technically referred to as Zone 1. Then move on to any other structures. Eventually, you will want to mitigate a radius of 100 feet (Zone 2).
This is not a clear cut, leveling of all things organic. It is merely a gleaning, that increases your castle’s odds in the event of an outbreak. Fall is a great time to lock down Zone One. Start with your roof. Clear your roof and gutters of needles and debris twice a year. Then, trim any branches that extend over your roof. Back on the ground, remove flammable vegetation within fifteen feet from your dwelling. Go on to remove shrubs, small trees, and any ladder fuels from beneath large trees. Next, prune your trees branches 10 feet or more above the ground. They’ll feel better and love you for it. Within your radius, cut grasses at least once or twice a year to less than 6 inches long. Store gases and firewood outside your 30 feet. Ultimately, you’ll want to tackle the distressed, diseased, dying, dead trees and shrubs by removing them. You may want to seek the help or advice of a fire mitigation specialist for an in depth assessment of your properties health. Otherwise, you have completed Zone One and accomplished immeasurable protections for your piece of heaven!
Boulder County Wildfire Assessments: http://www.wildfirepartners.org/
Defensible Space Guidelines: https://static.colostate.edu/client-files/csfs/pdfs/FIRE2012_1_DspaceQuickGuide.pdf
Curbside Chipping Event Update
On September 8th, the good residents of Twin Spruce, all the way up to Dowdle, were given a chance to drag their slash to their own curb and watch it quickly processed in our enormous chipper. The many volunteers of the 501(c)3 organization Saws & Slaws came together once again for a lot of hard work and a job well done. 11 properties in total were affected. Lots of slash was processed over 5 hours! The potluck afterward was terrific, as always. Thank you to the Marsoleks for hosting the morning portion and the Longs for hosting the Potluck. We may have an event in October but mainly, we look forward to a Winter’s Season of gathering and processing firewood. It’s fun and it’s great exercise! Want to join us? We could really use your help (all levels, kids welcome) 🙂 Email Linda at weecreekers@gmail.com or call (303) 642-0273.
See a super lively time-lapse of chipper and the team buried in slash at the Twin Spruce chipping event in September.
October Events
Firewood Orders
Winter is coming, get ‘em in! Split Cords $225 and bucked cords $175. Simply email us at sawsandslaws@gmail.com to place your order. Feel the warmth of supporting your community’s fire mitigation efforts.
2019 Season Applications Now Open
Saws and Slaws is now taking applications for neighborhood events for 2019. Now is the time to talk to your neighbors about getting on the schedule for next Spring and Summer. Get out, connect with those in your proximity, and vow to get your properties safer and healthier. Got questions? Call Us! (303) 642-0273. http://sawsandslaws.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Saws_Application-tfd01-02-19-2018.pdf
Saws and Slaws is a 501(c)3 organization committed to Building Stronger Communities Through A Healthier Forest. Find out more at http://sawsandslaws.org