Fire prevention gel
EvaJ, Fri Aug 09 2019, 12:58AM

When I retired, San Bernardino County Fire was starting to use Thermo Gel. My department did not have it. The extent of my knowledge on gel was what I learned from reps at the annual trade show. Having lost a home to the Panorama Fire (I was a teenager), I know it’s a miserable situation. My Dad who is also a retired firefighter was off duty that day but fought to save our house by ripping off the shake shingles as they caught fire. He couldn’t keep up and as he drove away to go to work he saw our house burning. If gel had existed in those days, he would have used it in a heartbeat. The question for mountain dwellers is whether you have time to apply it and still get safely off the hill. That depends on a number of variables. Here’s an old Facebook post about SBCO gel task force. If the link gets deleted, do a search for San Bernardino County Fire gel task force. [Click Here]

Re: Fire prevention gel
RH_Runner, Fri Aug 09 2019, 05:02AM

I have several gallons of home Phos-Chek with a backpack sprayer, just in case. We keep our home cleared of the "usual" brush, needles, branches, etc. If I even think that there is a chance that we will have to evacuate, I will use the Phos-Chek and get off the hill. We are not ones to stick it out, although I do not fault anyone that feels that they must.

Re: Fire prevention gel
BootsNBridles, Fri Aug 09 2019, 11:52AM

Also remember that houses routinely burn from the inside out- even in wildfires. Are your eaves boxed? are your vents covered in fine screen or do they have a solid cover that can be easily placed? What kind of window coverings do you have? Heat radiating through windows can catch interior possessions on fire.

Re: Fire prevention gel
RH_Runner, Fri Aug 09 2019, 01:20PM

All four vents have screens and eves are boxed with fascia board. Windows are standard.

Re: Fire prevention gel
Jellylorum, Fri Aug 09 2019, 01:48PM

If you have time when evacuating, remove window coverings. Curtains can ignite from exterior heat during a fire. Close doggie doors. Embers can enter the house through them.

I was told to do whatever may assist firefighters. Store away umbrellas and lawn chairs. Fasten down trash cans (in Baldwin Lake, mine have gone airborne in windy conditions - maybe 100 feet into the air and landed a block away). Leave outdoor lights on. Put up a ladder so they can more quickly reach the roof.