How We Prep for Wildfires - Prevention, Protection and Escape

Preparing a home to be more resistant to wildfires isn't complex. But it does require some effort and due diligence to implement preventative measures. In the video I cover defensible space, tree/vegetation maintenance, fire breaks and the importance of having clean gutters. I also address what we do in the event that there is a wildfire in our area, from preparations of leaving our home to circumstances in which we might consider staying.
And it SHOULD go without saying, but NOTHING is guaranteed, and obviously there are circumstances when no amount of preparation and defensive measures will help..... and in those cases you should ALWAYS err on the side of caution and leaving to a place of safety.
As is life, nothing is guaranteed.... BUT, we can and should take steps to implement preventative strategies and protect our homes BEFORE a wildfire is imminent.
TIME STAMPS for topics in this video....
-Defensible Space 1:49
-Defensible Space DEMO 3:27
-Vegetation Maintenance 6:05
-Fire Breaks 7:35
-Clean Gutters 9:27
-Decisions when FIRE is near 11:01
-Leaving 11:27
-Staying to Fight (& what tools would I use) 14:32
-Should you help with SMALL fires nearby 17:39
-Closing Remarks and Thought 18:50
If you guys like the videos I make and would like to help support the channel at no additional cost to you. Please consider doing some of you Amazon shopping through this link. I may receive a commission on some of the items you buy. Thanks for considering, it’s greatly appreciated ☺ amzn.to/2hWHbgu
Music sourced from the KZbin audio library and/or from EpidemicSound.com... credits as follows....
The Appalachian Trail by Hunter Quinn
via Epidemic Sound (license/subscription via partnership with Studio71)
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#wildfiresafety #wildfires #firesafety
Tags: wildfire safety, wildfires, fire safety, open space, rural, homesteading, defensible space, fire break, wildland firefighting, brushfires, homesteadonomics, how to, evacuation, fire prevention

[@peterlisyak5396]

As an ex Rural Fire Service officer in Australia, I feel you did a good job of explaining some of the dos' and don'ts, well done there should be more of this type of work being televised in the lead up to the hotter months

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you so much Peter! I value that input a lot and thank you for your service from a fellow firefighter 😀👍🙏🇺🇸 🇦🇺 🤝

[@austinmunday8190]

@@homesteadonomics I hate wild fires especially washington California arizona Nevada

[@kevinclark5111]

Big thing you need to recognize when fighting a wildfire, you never want to be uphill from the fire with unburned fuel between you and the fire. Also, when you're fighting a fire, always try and maintain access to already burned areas (firefighters call that keeping one foot in the black), that'll be the safest place to go if you need to escape.

[@homesteadonomics]

Yes, very sound rules for wildland firefighting 😀👍

[@LogHouseFarm]

As someone in the northwest, I must say - your gutters are ridiculously clean.

[@toronado455]

YES cleanest gutters ever!

[@trudidolder6122]

I lived in Canada for a while. Our neighbor hat a sprinkling system on his roof, not only for fire prevention,but also to cool his interior of the house. But I was really impressed how it worked. That might also something to consider for your home.

[@homesteadonomics]

I’ve seen those. But being in the desert and with rainwater as my primary source... it wouldn’t be as advantageous for us. Especially since we have metal. But if we had shingle or shake it would be a huge defense😀👍

[@talon0863]

Thank you very much for posting this. The part about the neighbors working together to put out fires is very cool.

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you! I think it’s important for those smaller fires... obviously not the bigger ones... but most fires are small at one point 😀👍

[@scottminshall6420]

Joe great video! I used to work in the fire fighting world (Airtankers) and I would talk to many of the fire fighters on the ground and they would go out every spring and tell home owners about creating defensible space around there homes just as you have described. They would sum it up with "If you do your part we will do everything in our power to save your home" But if you didn't make the effort they would not make any promises. Again thnaks for the informative video.

[@homesteadonomics]

Yes you are spot on! If you’ve got neighborhoods and one is well maintained and the other is not.... which one do people expect the firefighters to spend their efforts on😉. Gotta try and protect the most protectable ones.... versus risking losing them all

[@jptucsonaz8503]

Another GREAT video! A couple of more tips if I may. 1) when you have a larger property like you do; you can surround all sides with large diameter pvc piping & sprinklers! The large type that can really soak a lawn! Before you bug out, turn on the sprinklers. 2) You can also do the same for your roof before you leave. 3) If you have city water, no problem... other than perhaps a high water bill... if you have your own well & tanks, again, you should have plenty, & consider installing a huge tank for fire fighting. 4) If you have not yet built your (permanent) home, consider installing a system that grabs all GRAY water from sinks, showers, tubs & dishwasher & clothes washer. Store that water in a huge tank as above & use that for fire suppression! You can also use it for watering trees, etc. Ultimately, if you have the money & don't want to bug out, consider building a root cellar/storm/bomb shelter underground. Note: you MUST provide proper filtering ventilation that will handle smoke,, etc. If you build it as a multi-purpose unit, you will not only be protected from the fire, storm, etc. but you can have plenty of food & water stored for whatever comes your way.

[@holidayfartcruiserthe2nd749]

My grandparents live across the street from here, it’s remote, everyone uses water tanks, and the ground can be very rocky and unsuitable for an underground shelter. Plus if he used a huge water tank, he would likely have to haul all of those thousands of gallons of water a few miles uphill on a road that is (without exaggeration) made of potholes and patched potholes. It just doesn’t make sense where he is. Also, a little secret, he’s a firefighter so he knows what he’s talking about.

[@homesteadonomics]

Thanks JP! All very good points! And yes, I’ve got plans for a dedicated fire water tank😀👍

[@TheUserid82]

For those looking to put in a lawn sprinkler system putting in zones that form a ring around the house that you can cycle can put out grass fires that get near the house. A easy firebreak around a structure that looks good is a decorative rock mulch. You can get a 12v pump and a deep cycle battery for the fire trailer to not need a pressurized system to fight the fires.

[@homesteadonomics]

You’re spot on for the 12v on the trailer redo... that exactly what I’m planning😀👍

[@TheUserid82]

@@homesteadonomics The other good thing to do at the same time would be to turn it from a water hauler to a tool and water hauler as you can use it for more then an emergency fire tool. Some vertical supports you can strap shovels/rakes/hoes to for easy access and a lock box for things like gloves, wire and bolt cutters will let you carry a number of tools used for anything from trail work to fence mending and if needed the ability to cut a fence/lock if you need an escape path. It is always good to have a fire setup when working in the desert as you never know if something will spark a fire as you are working from a hot chainsaw when trimming trees to hitting the wrong rock with a steel tool

[@hammer9390]

Consider adding a larger water tank in the rebuild. Great video.

[@balenciaerskine6187]

I have been watching homesteaders, for learning, for 2 years and no one has taken wild fires into consideration. I do believe it is because most of them are in more wet areas, so I really liked this because if I ever need to move to a desert area (asthma) I would need to know this. Thank you for thinking of and sharing this.

[@One_Crazy_Dog_Mum]

We live on a beautiful property on the Sunshine Coast Australia, we have 12 acres of natural bush which has a green covenant on it, we have an emergency box that we pack at the beginning of every fire season, we maintain a LARGE fire break but we play it safe, we have a designated place to head to, and all of our 7 dogs have a crate with their names on it, if my hubby is away I take the old car to work and leave the keys to the good car packed with the dogs crates for one of our neighbours to load up & get out with a space for their dog if we need to take them. I leave a note on our front door with contact numbers on it also so emergency services can contact us quickly when doing door to door checks. Thanks for the info Joe, I’ll show the Hubby so he can buy me a quad. 😂 it’s essential fire fighting equipment 😂

[@homesteadonomics]

That’s an awesome plan and so great you’ve taken the right steps to do it far ahead of time!!! As for the quad... yes! And stay tuned this winter I’m going to redesign the trailer to have a 12v pump and solar for thr battery charging! It’ll be a step up from the pressurized 1.0 version using a water heater tank😂

[@healthfullivingify]

That was excellent. I have a lot of land and somebody behind me deliberately tried burning stubble in a garden and it set a few trees on fire of our shared forest. It could have burned every tree for hundreds of acres. I plan o create fire breaks like you have around your home and throughout the forest which connects to a nature preserve. Anything can happen- lightning, careless use of fire, equipment fires, you name it. Once I tried to use ether to get a tire to seat its bead ad it caught the grass on fire on the edge of a grassed field ad my forest. Luckily I had a tarp and smothered it stomping on the sacrificial tarp but it could have gotten out of hand and the volunteer fire department not be able to do anything at all since it was a half mile into my property and not easily accessible. Thanks for your time making his important video. It got me remembering how close my own property ha come to burning. We all need to practice all fire prevention and fire mitigation idea possible.

[@dereksmalls6238]

Living in England, watching the rain piss down. Now I'm ready for those wildfires, thanks Joe!

[@homesteadonomics]

Haha.... well send us some and I’ll send you some of our excess dry heat😀👍

[@bulldozer7656]

Hey Joe, great explanation. Thanks for all you do in bringing us along!!!

[@danielfisch655]

We have fire extinguishers in all of our vehicles, kitchen, workshop and placed by all egress points in the house which we check twice a year (January and July). Great information, thank you for sharing.

[@homesteadonomics]

You’re setting a perfect example! We’ve got two in the house, one in the trailer and one in the shop.... and the trailer one goes with us on long trips. But still need to have a permanent option for both vehicles😀👍

[@garyonnen7634]

One of most important video you have done. Thanks

[@homesteadonomics]

Well thank you so much Gary!🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@oilyragsgarage7200]

I read somewhere about adding washing up detergent into the water to foam it. Last year during the fires here in Australia, I had my Ford 3000 tractor with a 200 litre tank on the back with a very old Briggs water pump. It was ok, but I felt the water alone needs something more. It's getting very dry again here, so its something I need to start preparing for.

[@homesteadonomics]

Yes, soap or detergent of some sort helps to break the surface tension of the water and let it sleep into the fuel better. And when sudsy can create a film on the fuel too.

[@lanec5672]

Words of wisdom... Most folks out around my place at 4,300' keep the nearby mesquite grass mowed and trees trimmed on their acre+ lots, but many do not.. A few years back, when that fire that started in the Santa Ritas burned all the way across the SR83/Empire Ranch/Cienega Creek area to the NW bench of the Whetstones, the Sheriff's Department came out and went around door-to-door warning everyone to prepare to evacuate as the wind could push the fire into our community within the next few hours. The air was soon filled with the sound of folks mowing down the surrounding grass just as fast as their little 'ride-mowers' would carry them.. ;^]

[@homesteadonomics]

Yes very true... no motivation like an impending fire😂. But much nicer to do it early! Also, great to hear from a local! Love that area down there😀👍

[@ToddLarsen]

Excellent video and very very useful info for me, I just bought a tiny piece of land 16 miles south of Tombstone and plan on building a tiny home and the plants are very similar to yours and this video gives me a lot of ideas for prevention. Thanks for sharing Joe and as always keep building👍

[@homesteadonomics]

Awesome to hear Todd! Yes the environment will be very similar.... in at about 4000’ elevation and I think your a bit higher... so similar but you’ll have nicer summers😀👍

[@WhiteWhite60]

I'm an old man who lives in South Florida, so brush fires aren't the dangers. My take-away is: • have a plan • be prepared • realize my limitations - I'm not young and healthy • remember "Discretion is the better part of valor" • And, don't place myself in a position where I'm forced to make a decision

[@johnb7889]

I’m in Southeast Texas and your plan sounds very similar to mine. During a hurricane!😉

[@homesteadonomics]

I agree 100% on all points😀👍

[@TedAlexander24]

I used to live in South Florida. After Hurricane Andrew, our neighborhood became pretty tight. Knowing and considering your neighbors in disasters is very advantageous. We always helped each other to board up prior to storms.

[@homesteadonomics]

Oh man, Andrew was a huge storm from what I remember. And good neighbors are such a blessing! We’ve got a great group in our little rural neighborhood here. Always loaning tools, borrowing tools, cup of sugar here, lifting help there... and when we had some drug smugglers here a few years ago... one call and I had two of my neighbors at my house in 2 min. And their hands weren’t empty😉

[@briangarrow448]

I live on a piece of rural property with 1/4 of it in mature 2nd growth timber. After watching the wildfires this summer my son and I are investing in a generator powered water pumping system with a 2000 gallon water tank for fire suppression. I have priced out a do it yourself kit for less than 2000$. That includes roof sprinklers, trash pump, sections of 2 inch hose and all associated gear. For less than the cost of a used quad we can provide a back/emergency fire response kit. We don't have to replace plastic gutters and the vegetation management is minimal. I've done a good bit of research and I see where an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of "aw shits"!!!

[@homesteadonomics]

That’s sounds like an awesome setup for a pretty good price too! Considering all you have into it... impressive! Sorry for the slow response

[@torjones1701]

You should look into products like Barricade. it's a gel that you spray onto what you don't want burning. You can hit that stuff with a blow torch and the stuff it's sprayed on just won't get hot. once the fire is gone, you let the rain wash it away, it's biodegradable and non-toxic. It's based on the same water absorbent materials as like is in diapers. With a fire trailer like yours, you've got a fantastic platform from which to deploy a whole lot of the stuff too.

[@homesteadonomics]

I think I remember seeing that but now I want to go check it out again! Very cool! 😀🙏

[@thomascdurham9130]

C'mon Mike, wind is a big part of driving the path of fire. You being a pro fire fighter, why did you not just turn your experiment around. But you did prove one thing. If the wind is blowing the fire away from your property, your home will survive. :)

[@homesteadonomics]

Haha... could have worked for sure! But I was hoping to show just the natural progression based on radiant heat. A wind driven fire most assuredly will impact a house with lots of vegetation.. and also, as you pointed out can push the fire away😀👍 Thanks for checking it out Thomas!🙏 Joe

[@thomascdurham9130]

@@homesteadonomics Love all of your videos! Just was surprised that you did not do the obvious. Wild fires change and create their own weather patterns. One of the biggest events in your neck of the woods are the hot air balloon festible.. What creates the perfect conditions is the thremals rising from the hot desert. Maybe one of your road trips with the camper is to take your little girl out to see it. Wild fires create these termal too so it would had fit perfectly in your great ideas how to help prevent lost of homes. And like you said at the end of the video, this is not garaunteeing anything because mother nature can be a........ let's just say, witch! Stay safe!

[@1UMMA]

Am more worrying about Earthquakes in California..Idk how one can get ready for that!! 🤯 Great Video Joe. God Bless.

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you!

[@homesteadonomics]

And may God Bless you and your family as well

[@catgynt9148]

Thanks for sharing this insightful video. Is it something you can share in local schools or community centers. Much of it is common sense and a realistic perspective. Regrettably, sense isn’t all that common. I was amazed by the intensity of your driveway brush fire. In NE Ohio we are blessed to have green instead of brown with pine, oak and maple trees towering over our houses. Stay safe out there. Wishing you and your family peace, health and happiness as pandemic and western fires threaten your lives. Peace brother.

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you! And yes I agree.... these days common sense doesn’t seem to be all that common. And on top of that people are so easily offended if you aren’t saying exactly what they want to hear😂 But yes, the fire can be very intense. At work I’ve gotten burns just from the radiant heat. And you are very right... the green and general moisture in Ohio is going to be much more resistant to our super dry stuff here. Each time I go back to a green area like that I end up ‘green’ with envy as it’s just so beautiful and lush😀👍

[@catgynt9148]

@@homesteadonomics Our Uncle Sam gave me opportunities to travel and live in several states and a big sandbox that makes Arizona look lush and green. I have always come home to NE Ohio. I have family in New Mexico and I love their area but my roots are Ohio. Stay safe and cherish your family. Our daughters grew up way too fast. Peace brother.

[@toronado455]

I really appreciate this information from a professional!

[@homesteadonomics]

Thanks for checking it out.... I would t say I’m a a pro.... know more than some and less than full time wildland guys. I prefer structure fires😉👍

[@randyketcham3840]

Well thought out video and examples of what to do. Thanks for the reminder on several items.

[@homesteadonomics]

Glad it was helpful!

[@BenMitro]

Thanks for sharing such well thought through strategy and advice.

[@homesteadonomics]

Thanks for checking it out Benny! 😀👍

[@cscollen]

As an Australian Wildfire fighter I would like to add that if you are going to leave you need to leave early... there has been so much footage of people driving thru fire engulfed forests, if you are driving thru fire it is too late to leave. We were impacted by fire last year and we stayed to defend our properly prepared property. we saved our house and our neighbours house.

[@homesteadonomics]

Absolutely! Very true indeed... kinda wish I would’ve pointed that out. But I’m glad you brought it up👍. Lots of instances here in the states where cars caught fire driving through engulfed roads... with tragic ends. I work on a metro suppression engine... so my wildland experience is small in comparison. Mostly small urban interface. But I work with some incredible wildland guys..... so much appreciation for the work you’ve done down there😀👍 🇦🇺

[@LostWhits]

@@homesteadonomics I remember reading about cars that tried to evacuate too late. The fuel tanks melted.

[@tomtruesdale6901]

Great video with very useful information. Just to add a few things. When fighting a wild fire try to stay "in the black" that is the burned area so you are not over run by the fire. If you can use a "back burn" to burn away the vegetation on the fire side of your fire break to expand the break toward the approaching fire.

[@homesteadonomics]

Yes, staying in the black is a solid rule! 😀👍

[@mmx3662]

Thanks for a very important video and a reminder/education on the dangers of fires! Excellent! :)

[@homesteadonomics]

Thanks for watching M&M!

[@rbhhaner6151]

That was a very informative video. We just moved into our home up in yavapai county near seligman . and there are grasses and juniper all over... I have already began my trails and trimming trees here.

[@homesteadonomics]

Well congrats on your move! Awesome to hear😀👍. And already getting trails started is great! I remember first building my trail and my wife wasn’t thinking it was good time used.... but now we love it and walk it almost every single day😀👍 🥾

[@gregkahle9046]

Excellent info! I like the match stick set up!

[@homesteadonomics]

Thanks Greg!

[@markrjones]

A good and informative video. As always, thanks Joe!

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you Mark! I was hoping it wouldn’t be too dry... as is this kinda topic. But If it helps save at least one house then I think it’ll be worth it😀👍

[@floydyoung7329]

subbed. Great wildfire video. I'm sitting in Pennsylvania in flooding rain watching this lol ... beautiful homestead!

[@Dutchshedwoodshop]

Awesome video again. I also feel honores to see my french cleat video next yours in a 5 best french cleat ideas compilation. As you channel is a huge example for me.

[@homesteadonomics]

That’s awesome! If I haven’t checked it out I will for sure😀👍

[@bikelanez7376]

Thank you so much for sharing this information this was a great video

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you!

[@bikelanez7376]

@@homesteadonomics I would love to move out there it’s one of my goals to move out there

[@oby-1607]

We had a wildfire burn up to our back yard. For days before that we had burning branches over a foot long landing all around us and on our roof. We were lucky that we years ago installed a large irrigation pipe which we accessed for sprinkler protection. Sprinklers on the roof and around the house for days helped to save it. When the firestorm hit us, we were extremely lucky to have a fire suppression ground crew and 5 helicopters with buckets. It came thru fast and over 50 feet tall, but with the crews fighting from the air and the ground our farm was saved. We did have cattle burn to death because we could not get to them due to the extreme danger from the fire. They were on the range miles away from the homestead. In the end, nobody was hurt and everybody was safe. My neighbors some of them were not so lucky.

[@martinsilvaleber651]

Excellent, thanks!

[@JB-mf1zc]

That's good information thanks for sharing!

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you John!

[@amyharris7337]

Great video. Thanks for these tips!

[@StMyles]

Very wise and smartly thought out arrangement for your fire breaks. 😂😂 models never seem to work perfectly. Thanks for sharing.

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you! And yes they never do... haha

[@rickcassell9613]

Another great video, and great intel. 👍

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you Rick!

[@intheshop406]

Love your videos great stuff

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you!!!

[@blackberryhideout5793]

Thanks Joe!

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you Sis!

[@RatelLaw]

Very helpful, thank you.

[@homesteadonomics]

Thanks for checking it out Michael!

[@markhuber8345]

Good morning, thanks for the awesome info..👍👍

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you Mark! 😀👍🙏

[@Growyourheirlooms]

Another great video as always

[@alanjackson4646]

A water fogging nozzle fitted on a lance would be a better option than the current spray/jet nozzle you use on your fire trailer. Luckily this type of and volume of fire is rare in the U.K. Keep safe. Regards AJ

[@homesteadonomics]

Yes, for sure! And certainly more rare in the UK... you’re right! But I’d be happy for you guys to send us some of your excess rain... and I’ll send back some excess heat😉👍

[@stilcrazychris]

Joe you've got a good handel on these fire emergencies. But you know there's more that can be approved apron. Now your an honest man to admit he needs to approve his set up. I'm glad I can call you a KZbin friend & that's bc your an honest man. Thank you buddy.... lol... I served on an all male volatility fire & recuse squad. I was the only female on the team for 2 years. We practice fighting grass fires bc in are town we had more acres for cattle ranching than homes. I was always the driver of the brush buggy. I just want to give you a FYI. Fighting a grass fire you always fight it counter clockwise in the vehicle. I would have a problem w/this bc the brain tells you to go clockways instead & I would be fighting myself ever brush fire... lol... just picture that in the front of a 2 seater 1950's army jeep modified for a brushfires... lol... Yes, I had a conversation w/myself all the way to these fires. But it finely got normal & all my training on the job & by are workbooks paid off. I'm here to say I did them correctly & I need left a man/women behind. Yeah 2 pts. to me. On house fires, I was the person they sent in to check for attic fires bc I was the smallest on the team coming in around 110 lbs. & @ 5'5". I don't weigh that no more. Add 60 lbs. to it nowdays. I also was the 1st one in the rooms of many people committing suicide, bc I worked in & went to school for medical assistance. I was the most experienced & brain matter didn't affect me like most men. I didn't loose my lunch on those kind of calls like the boys. It was one wild ride on that squad I must say. I loved it. It was like a drug. And I needed more & more each day. Crazy right!! I'm so pleased that you help out your neighbors to. I would love to call you one of my neighbors dear. Thank you for sharing your videos with us. Be safe & God bless, Chris from Missouri

[@homesteadonomics]

Wow Chris! That’s quite the history! I can definitely relate on some of those tougher calls too! And it seems you became an asset for your size to get in those attics! We’ve all got our individual assets that benefit the team in one way or another! Awesome! Btw.... sorry for the slow response

[@kathyhennigan7807]

If you decide to leave, I'd hook up that travel trailer for a temporary place to stay. You could also keep clothing and personal need items already in it.

[@homesteadonomics]

That’s actually part of the plan for a long notice evacuation. But I didn’t want to note it due to most folks not maybe being able to tow a trailer if they have a car, etc.. but you’re spot on as it is definitely in our plans😀👍

[@VS-et4pn]

Good luck out there!

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you!

[@BR1967FE]

great u thought to do that, pretty neat little experiment there 👍👍

[@homesteadonomics]

Well it didn’t turn out exactly as I was hoping but I think it kinda illustrates the point🤔😂

[@NeoB-Lac]

Another thing you could do is build like 8 to 15 perimeter sprinklers, get the heavy duty steel or aluminum ones that are on stands. And deploy them if there is a fire

[@homesteadonomics]

I would like to do something like that if we had a well.... but our water situation is limited. But perhaps if I get a much larger tank in the future then yes😀👍

[@fallbrkgrl]

Ok... what is up with your gutters? They look brand new! Seriously, you're killing me with how clean they are. I keep forgetting to mention this, but I am absolutely in love with your property. I was planning a move to Sierra Vista, which is similar to where you are, in terms of the natural vegetation, but have decided to go somewhere more familiar to me (west of Yuma, still in CA). A lot hotter, and not quite as pretty, but still desert, because I am a Desert Rat by nature. Thanks for another great video! ❤️🌵☀️⛈️🌈☮️🐎

[@homesteadonomics]

Haha... well they actually are almost brand new. Only about a year old after we had that really bad hail storm a couple years ago. But I also do vacuum them a couple times a year for the rainwater harvesting factor. Also, I really like the Sierra vista area.... but there are other areas with maybe more of a blend that desert environment you might be looking for. But whatever area gives you the most inspiration should be the place you settle into😀👍

[@HomesteadEngineering]

Nice job!

[@samiralbalushi4611]

Thank you for this information

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you for watching Samir😀🙏

[@storeytwinb]

Excellent!!! Thank you 🙏🏼

[@ritamccartt-kordon283]

We are surrounded by trees. We have hoses around the house. We have a pond and plan to get a pump and hose to use for just this purpose. Great video! Thank you, GOD bless

[@homesteadonomics]

Sounds like you’ve got a good plan! My environment is much more sparse than yours.... but having a pond is such an incredible advantage too! I’m just thinking about fishing now.... haha🤔😂

[@ritamccartt-kordon283]

@@homesteadonomics Hahaha! Bass, Bluegill, Crappie, Blue Catfish. They aren't quite big enough yet, but getting there. I also like watching my Ducks & Geese swim on the pond. Just the quiet of it, the breeze across it and the SMELL! Clean, with a hint of fish! We really like your channel. GOD bless

[@homesteadonomics]

Rita McCartt-Kordon ahhhhh.... I can almost feel it! Here’s to having your fish growing fast and enjoying every moment out there that you can! And may God bless you and your family too!

[@ritamccartt-kordon283]

@@homesteadonomics I'm going to be 69 at the end of this month. I plan to live until I'm 104 years young! I really hope to make this goal. I had Aunts that were 97, 99 & 93! One Great Uncle who was 107! So I feel it's possible. I was born about 260 feet from my home, I love this property and all its history. We live near the edge of The Big Southfork River and Recreation Park. I'm running on, sorry. I like your projects and have modeled one of my chicken houses after a lot of your chicken house. I like that underground greenhouse too, seriously thinking about that! Anyway, thanks for the chat. GOD bless

[@andrewzenn1719]

Hmmm,. Whadabouta embers? Fires have jumped 100 feet of cleared area when there is enough wind.

[@ourselfreliantlife]

Great info and some really good things to think about. I was surprised to hear about the small fires that can easily pop up. I'll be grateful once we're in our new house. I feel like the trailer is like a box of kindling. 😬

[@homesteadonomics]

Well I know you guys are headed into the direction of being in about the safest structure possible.... and even partially built they’ll be great shelters even before finished 😀👍

[@raynoladominguez4730]

Great information, outstanding P.S.A., thank you.

[@homesteadonomics]

I appreciate that Raynola! Probably a bit dry on such a topic but I thought it was pertinent given that I do it every year and maybe some might benefit from it.

[@olivergrandbois2937]

WOOOW 👍👌

[@ffandrewd2986]

Even though I’m only from Minnesota, imma take note because we are getting a cabin.

[@mattiefattie3895]

Can you do a video on your daily workout routine? How do you stay in shape?

[@susanvaughn741]

You can install a snow fence or in ember fence up wind so all the embers fall out behind the fence This can be made of used barn tin, set horizontal about 2 inches above the ground.

[@beachlife1411]

Good tips

[@homesteadonomics]

Thanks!

[@robhowe6201]

Hey man I just stumbled on your channel today while searching diy compost barrels. Love your vids! One video I didn’t see was about electricity. Are tied into the grid? Use solar panels? I live in SW also so I’m interested in what you do for power as I’d like to get some property and be able to live as independent as possible

[@homesteadonomics]

Thanks so much Rob! 😀🙏 That was an old video.. haha. But I’m glad you’re here. As for solar... now we are not on Solar. I would like to but it’s not in the cards right now budget wise. But hopefully not too long in the future. Oh yes, sorry for the slow response too

[@Nala15-Artist]

Watching this remembering the Oregon Wildfires. Our city was slated to go up in flames ... we were lucky the wind turned around.

[@paulmaxwell8851]

Good video. remember, though, that up to 90% of structures are lost due to wind-driven embers finding their way into the building. Defensible space is only saving the other 10%. The answer is 'hardening' the exterior of the structure, especially the roof assembly.

[@colmcorbec7031]

Greetings from Europe. Still very interesting! :)

[@homesteadonomics]

Great to hear from Europe Colm! Thanks for watching😀👍🙏

[@raincoast9010]

I helped fight the Fort McMurray fire, it was crazy ! Forest right up to the edge of all the subdivisions.

[@homesteadonomics]

Well thank you for helping with it! Those we intense fires and your efforts are and were appreciated greatly😀👍

[@redneckgarage4227]

Полезное видео, молодец

[@AZMarine513]

Second Good video.

[@homesteadonomics]

Thanks will!

[@PMcGuffin]

All good information. Topography should also be considered in if you are going to evacuate as well. Flat land isn’t as much of a danger but if you live on a hillside of in a canyon, you are in the worst place possible as wind and general physics can channel the fire right to you. Also is your house a strawbale home?

[@AmbitionAcres]

Another pertinent video. Thank you. As well, I just wanted to say that I've recently gotten chickens and my coop build series was based on your design. Would love for you to have a look some time if you get a chance. Take care!

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you! I will check it out for sure! 😀👍

[@kennhurt5636]

What Kind of Material are your Rainwater containers made of. I know you have the medal one what are the other ones made of?

[@LogicBob]

Thanks for the video Joe. I had never considered that my clogged gutters might be a fire hazard! I just have a few questions for ya... have you considered a sprinkler system that could soak another 50' wide strip beyond your defensible space? Is it just not necessary in your case? And, in the case of evacuation, would you load up your travel trailer? Or no, since you have family nearby?

[@homesteadonomics]

Yes we would certainly consider the travel trailer assuming it wasn’t a 5minute and go kinda thing. As for the sprinklers... if we had a well and a more reliable source of water, yes. But with our current water source we just don’t have the extra storage for that.

[@shawndubay4050]

Great strategies and very wise decisions. If I lived there I would do exactly what you did with the property and have a huge tank of water, a high powered pump and a inch and a half hose line with a high pressure constant flow fire nozzle for the fightable fires. If it gets crazy the family and me grabbing clothes and some sacred things then going through the 5 speeds of my sports car and getting the heck out of there looking for a safe place far away from the flames. I feel that every fire threatened area should have a fleet of water dropping airplanes/water bombers with the pilots ready to go and a scout or two in the air keeping an eye out for smoke or flames. Catch it quick and attack it fast before it has a chance of getting way out of control. They have these aircraft in Oregon and those planes, pilots and the smoke jumpers have saved alot of people, homes and land on several occasions.

[@gregorythomas333]

Just a TON of excellent advice...thank you for this video! About the 'Rona analogy: So if I can get a mask on the fire... Sorry...couldn't help it :)

[@homesteadonomics]

😂😂😂😂 that gave me a laugh! I saw a meme with trees and masks on them...haha Im just so sick of this over hyped, over politicized lunacy that it’s brought about. Albeit I may have a different perspective due to my work. But it’s just crazy.... People getting arrested for being alone on a beach, etc... and when I drive home I’ve seen countless people riding bicycles, alone, 5 miles front the nearest house with a mask on 🤦‍♂️🥴

[@gregorythomas333]

@@homesteadonomics Well...ya can't fix stupid...but I guess you can regulate it INTO existence :) And I thought it was 6 feet distance OR a mask anyway...at least that is how our governor wrote hers.

[@homesteadonomics]

@@gregorythomas333 haha.... I thought so too! It’s been a whirlwind to be in thr fire service and see this thing first hand, for what it is.... and then to see the news and ‘health experts’ tell a vastly different story🤦‍♂️

[@timseabee]

For some reason i did not get a notification of this video and it did not show up on my subscription list.

[@homesteadonomics]

Hmmmm.... hopefully they aren’t trying to ban me because I’m not part of the fear mongering media😂

[@waynep343]

how about since your home walls seem to be stucco coated.. that you install chicken wire firmly to the under eves with long U staples. or screws and washers.. so you can blow stucco up under your patio and eves.. if you don't box in the eves and stucco them keeping any wind blown fire from curling up the wall and super heating the exposed wood of the eves and roof sheathing..

[@homesteadonomics]

Not a bad idea! Stucco with its cement nature is very resistant to fire😀👍

[@wickedmuffin76]

My friend and his wife have a house on a couple acres in a pine forest, their insurance mandates a 30' gap either between the house and the nearest tree, or from trees near the house to trees further out. He had to take down quite a few trees, apparently the previous owners didn't have (or didn't follow) the same mandate.

[@wickedmuffin76]

Have you considered some hoses and sprinklers to deploy around the house and leave running in the event you do leave during a fire? I remember seeing a house that was spared from a grass fire because the owner left the sprinklers running.

[@1951Roy]

Great info on the fire prep. Question, what are those fenced stones use for around the house.

[@homesteadonomics]

Those are gabion walls. Mostly just decorative but there are lots of engineering and Practical uses for them too😀👍

[@1951Roy]

@@homesteadonomics Thanks.

[@williambays3534]

Is getting into one of those water tanks a viable choice? I can see if they are too deep you could drown, or hypothermia setting in if it's cold.

[@homesteadonomics]

It’s actually something I’ve considered for sure... the metal cistern by my shop... but not the plastic ones😀👍

[@FredMcIntyre]

Thanks for the info Joe! 😃👍🏻💦🔥🌿🌾🔥🏡👊🏻

[@homesteadonomics]

Thanks for checking it out Fred! 😀👍 and sorry for the slow reply

[@DesertOwlForge]

Nice informative video. Did you get effected by the fire around I-19 earlier this summer?

[@homesteadonomics]

If we are thinking about the same one.... it was close but was still a few miles away from us. But we did have some things packed up due to it. ALSO..... my wife asked me about the Schifflein days yesterday and we totally forgot🤦‍♂️. Was really looking forward to it and just plan spaced it.

[@DesertOwlForge]

Good to here that was not threatening you guys. It looked really bad from I 10. I was going to Tucson picking up some steel. Schieffelin days was awesome. Lots of.fun activities. The pack burro race was a great success and we did ok too at the demo. Lots of folks came out from Phoenix. We're going back this weekend for Helldorado, which supposed to be the biggest event in Tombstone ( it is the longest running festival in the US). Swing by if you have time. We'll be at the Good Enough Mine again on Saturday and Sunday.

[@davidfogg4321]

Hello.I loved the music at the beginning of the video. Who’s it by?

[@mmx3662]

The Appalachian Trail by Hunter Quinn per the drop down "show more" in the text intro. :) Have a great day!

[@macci661]

That's a great video, thanks. I have a question: how do you deal with your daughter's education? You're far from any school I suppose, so what is your plan to solve this?

[@homesteadonomics]

Thanks Simo! Actually there are several schools not far away. But we homeschool and belong to a homeschool group with quite a range of incredibly talented folks. And we also schedule play dates and lots of activities with her friends from both homeschooling as well as public schools. 😀👍

[@joffrey.ph_]

Prevention at it's finest. 👍👍

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you!

[@joffrey.ph_]

@@homesteadonomics 👍👍

[@bluestarhealingangels9162]

We have a 🔥burn that’s out of control it’s about an hour away winds are low 7 miles per hour it’s the smoke is bad we’re planning to leave for a week hopefully by then maybe they will have the fire under control & the smoke will be better it’s can be scary but we are going to think of moving anyway be safe that’s the key …

[@dennischroninger4873]

👍 I bet you got this idea because 36a is on fire! Be safe my friend

[@niklar55]

Have you thought of putting a sprinkler system on your roof to prevent wind blown fire debris from igniting it?

[@homesteadonomics]

Roof sprinklers would be a good option for some but not for us as we have a limited water supply (rainwater is our primary source)... also our metal roof is more resistant Thanks for watching😀🙏

[@niklar55]

@@homesteadonomics Ah! That makes a change. I noticed a lot of houses in the USA had bitumen tiles, which may be cheap, but have zero fire resistance. In S of France, during one of their conflagrations, the heat from the fire ignited the wooden roof structures _inside_ the roof, even though they had fireproof clay tiles on the roof. So, just keeping it cool would be good. It's not much good worrying about your water supply if your house burns down.😊

[@littlewhitedory1]

Great public service announcement! Here on Long Island it's not the fires that worry me it's just as the crazy people! Wanna trade?

[@homesteadonomics]

Thank you! And thanks for the offer of the trade but I have to respectfully decline.... especially after the last several months. Maybe a visit for some of the famous pizza and attractions. But way toooo many people for my comfort zone😂

[@algigirl]

Need to build drain Surrounding the land outside the buildings .inside the dugout drains, layered the stones on the surface to keep water and dampness inside of the drains. To keep the soil wet or damp as much as possible.. Direct all rain water into the drains.build berm around the trees so it retains rainwater. The Asian countries does that to prepared the drainage around the land in preparation for the dry seasons. That will break wildfire.

[@280zone]

What is that black and yellow thing you are always carrying around?

[@homesteadonomics]

Remote for the camera😉👍

[@ohske]

👍👍👍👌♥️♥️♥️☺️

[@homesteadonomics]

😀🙏

[@uknowulikethat4042]

just like the comment underneath, I am very impressed with how clean your gutters are, not showing this to my wife, I'll be up on the ladder if she see's it :)

[@homesteadonomics]

Haha... one of the perks to not having trees over my roof line.... but also not beneficial shade

[@homesteadonomics]

Haha... one of the perks to not having trees over my roof line.... but also not beneficial shade

[@atVVV1]

Limited water = wet towel and a 5 gal bucket for the win

[@homesteadonomics]

😀👍

[@HaggisMuncher-69-420]

The best way to show this is hold a lighter up to paper, even 7 inches away - it'll eventually catch fire once it reaches its ignition point.

[@fifagamer4577]

First