4 Acreage Management Considerations for Wildfire Season

Fire season is upon us again and, inevitably, be it due to a stray spark or dry lightning, the devastating impact of wildfires will be felt in many regions. The best way to fight a fire is to prevent it from igniting in the first place, and wildfire prevention requires each of us to do our part. 

For those living on forested acreage, the risk is considerable. Minimizing the risk of fire across your land requires diligence, but with the right tools—such as a chainsaw, wood chipper PTO, or lawnmower—and a bit of know-how, you can make a positive difference and preserve the beautiful property you call home.

Review these four acreage management tips for fire season and use this guidance to protect the people and the land you love against the threat of wildfires.

Remove Fallen Timber and Debris

Fires need fuel, so reducing the amount of flammable material on your property is the most direct way to prevent wildfires from igniting. Stray brush, branches, and fallen trees become the ideal wildfire fuel as they dry out during the summer, which makes them prime candidates for removal.

Remember, you’ll want to prioritize the dead, dry stuff. Green foliage, on the other hand, can be left alone. Be sure to inspect your property closely for piles of dried pine needles and dead grass that should be removed.

Don’t Burn Brush and Branches—Chip Them

In many areas, local authorities tend to ban burning for limited periods when weather conditions are ideal for new fire starts. During wildfire season, keep up with the latest forecast and any warnings about or restrictions on burning.

As an alternative, you can chip any brush or branches you collect. If you have considerable acreage to clean up, consider investing in a wood chipper for a tractor. These tend to be more capable than their similarly-priced gas- or electric-powered counterparts, not to mention they’re much easier to transport.

You can easily dispose of wood chips at landfills or repurpose them to line walking paths on your property. You could also use them for wood chip mulch.

Create Defensible Space Around Structures

To protect your home, focus on creating an area free of dead grasses, branches, and brush around the perimeter of your home. This is known as a “defensible space,” and it applies the same concept we’ve been discussing: Without fuels, fire can’t burn.

Specifically, a defensible space minimizes the chances of a blaze reaching a structure, such as your home, shed, or detached garage. Consult local forestry officials for guidance on how large your defensible space should be and whether it needs to be truly devoid of any growth whatsoever—a few healthy trees may not present a problem.

Always Use Equipment and Machinery Safely

As mentioned above, careless sparks are prominent causes of wildfires. They can come from any machine, whether it’s an ATV, a chainsaw, or a tractor.

When it comes to vehicles, avoid driving in areas with dry fuels, especially on hot and windy days. Regarding forestry equipment, it’s vital that you properly maintain all your tools—especially when it comes to lubrication and coolant—and operate them in accordance with the owner’s manual to avoid any malfunctions that may emit sparks.

Remember, keeping your gear in good working condition means keeping an adequate stock of replacement belts, blades, and whatever sawmill parts you may need on hand so you can replace consumables at the appropriate intervals.

About Woodland Mills

By astutely combining imaginative design, cost-effective manufacturing processes, and direct-to-customer sales, Woodland Mills has grown into a global leader in the forestry products industry. From the flagship HM126 portable bandsaw sawmill to stump grinders, PTO wood chippers, and more, the products from Woodland Mills are known for their uncompromising capability and unsurpassed value. Whether you’re a hobbyist woodworker, weekend sawyer, or a landowner with acreage to manage, you can count on Woodland Mills for world-class customer service and the industry’s best-valued products. The North American engineers at Woodland Mills continue to innovate with you in mind to deliver versatile ATV trailers, rugged log arches, and other products to help you tackle your next project.

Get the best-valued acreage management products from Woodland Mills at https://woodlandmills.com/