PROTECT YOURSELF: Gloucester Fire Department Shares Proven Strategies to Prevent Wildfire Damage This Summer

GLOUCESTER — With summer weather approaching fast, the Gloucester Fire Department is reminding the community of the threats posed by wildfires, and sharing proven strategies for protecting lives and property. 

To better protect Cape Ann residents, the Gloucester Fire Department and several neighboring departments teamed up with the Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR) to create The Cape Ann Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) in 2024. The plan includes resources that can help homeowners and business owners learn more about wildfire threats in their community and how to mitigate them using simple steps on their property.

The Cape Ann CWPP hubsite, which can be accessed here, provides detailed maps of Cape Ann along with numerous resources for home and business owners to protect their properties against fire. An entire section of the plan is focused on steps that home and property owners can take to help protect their properties, and the Gloucester Fire Department would like to direct residents to that portion of the plan in particular.

Additionally, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) maintains a detailed list of safety precautions that property owners can take in what is called the Home Ignition Zone — an area that stretches up to 200 feet around a structure. 

In the area up to 5 feet from a home, the NFPA recommends:

• Keeping roofs and gutters clear of debris
• Replacing missing shingles or roof tiles
• Keeping flammable material away from wall exteriors, decks, and porches
• Make sure all smoking materials are fully extinguished

In the area 5 to 30 feet from a home, the NFPA recommends:

• Creating fuel breaks with driveways, walkways, and paths
• Keeping lawns and native grasses mowed to under four inches
• Removing vegetation from under trees and pruning trees six to ten feet from the ground
• Keeping tree branches at least ten feet from the home
• Spacing out trees and shrubs to break up the continuity of vegetation across the landscape

In the area 30 to 200 feet from a home, the NFPA recommends:

• Disposing of heavy accumulations of dead plant and tree material and other debris
• Remove small trees growing between mature trees
• Remove vegetation adjacent to storage sheds and other outbuildings
• Space out trees so their canopies have adequate distance between them

 To view all of the detailed tips provided by the NFPA, click here.

“Wildfires pose a significant threat to the community during dry summer weather, so I encourage all property owners in Gloucester to review the Cape Ann Community Wildfire Protection Plan to gain a comprehensive understanding of the vulnerabilities in our community,” said Chief Eric Smith. “There are a number of fairly easy, straightforward steps people can take to reduce wildfire danger, and spring is the perfect time to get started on taking some of the steps.”

###