Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
loaded weatherproof covers; replace broken faceplates; keep panel boxes covered, dry, and
dust-free; don't overload plugs or circuits.
Create a defensible space
A defensible space is one in which vegetation has been managed to reduce fire threat to
homes and buildings and to provide access for firefighters to defend the buildings. Defens-
ible space is especially important in areas where wildfires are common, but is helpful on
any farm during time of fire.
To calculate defensible space using the chart below, first determine the slope of your land
and the type of vegetation you have. A
transit
(telescoping sighting instrument on a tripod)
is the most accurate instrument for measuring slope.
rise ÷ run = slope %
or
change in elevation ÷ measured distance = slope %
To estimate slope, lay a 50-inch stick (which is the
run,
or measured distance) down the
slope you want to measure. Put a carpenter's level on the stick and raise the end of the stick
until it's level. Measure the distance from the end of the raised stick to the ground (this
is the
rise,
or change in elevation). For example, if the rise is 4 inches and the run is 50
inches, the slope is 4 ÷ 50, or 8 percent.
A pitch of 0 to 20 percent (0-9 degrees) is considered flat to gently sloping; a pitch of 21
to 40 percent (8-18 degrees) is moderately steep; a pitch over 41 percent (over 18 degrees)
is very steep.
Recommended defensible space around buildings
