by Curtis Sheets,
Chief, Wintergreen Fire and Rescue

It's all about the embers.

Those living here in Wintergreen and Nelson County reasonably start thinking about their wildfire risk when there is a news-making outbreak, such as in Los Angeles in 2025 or as we saw in 2016 in Gatlinburg, Tenn. Can it happen here? Yes, it can. Is there anything you can do? Again, yes.

Take four minutes and watch this "Ember Storm Demo" YouTube video from the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety to understand why I say it’s all about the embers. (Embers are burning pieces of airborne wood and/or vegetation that can be carried through the wind for more than a mile.)

The home IBHS created for this demonstration video is made from different kinds of building materials, some of which are fire-resistant and others that are not. They also put flammable vegetation and mulch around part of the house and on the roof, leave windows open, and demonstrate the importance of screening vents. It’s eye-opening.

If you cut through the drama from the news reports during a major wildfire and ask, "What can I learn from this?" you find the lessons aren't complicated.

Ask these questions:

• If fiery embers rained down on my house tonight, what would ignite?

• Does the forest floor touch the side of our home?

• Do we have spaces under our decks or on porches trapping dead leaves?

The IBHS video here can help explain the point behind these questions. Simple modifications with routine yard maintenance within your home's "ignition zone" (your house and the 100-200 feet around it) can make a significant difference in having your home survive an ember shower.

Questions about your situation? Reach out to info@wtgfireresq.org. We’ll be happy to help.