There is no denying that fire is, and always has been, part of our natural ecology. Unfortunately, we have all seen the horrors when all of the factors necessary to support large, intense and uncontrollable fires are present. Today, as outdoor temperatures drop and people across the nation take measures to keep themselves and their loved ones warm this winter, builders should alert both current and prospective homeowners with steps to reduce the risks associated with home fires. The following provides some tips for both outside and inside the property.

Outside

The more continuous and dense the landscape, the greater the fire threat is to a home. The first step, therefore, is for the homeowner to create defensible space outside the home by removing fire prone plants and replant those with low-fuel vegetation. For example, minimize or eliminate the use of evergreen shrubs and trees within 30-50 ft. of a structure, because junipers, other conifers and broadleaf evergreens, such as eucalyptus, contain oils, resins and waxes that make these plants burn with great intensity. In addition, to prevent fires from starting in landscape from the ground up, provide separation between vegetation in the defensible space. Consider a vertical separation of three times the height of the lower landscape layer.

On the home itself, cover the roof with non-combustible "Class A" fire retardant shingles and the chimney and stovepipe with an approved spark arrestor. When designing a driveway, allow for large emergency equipment to reach the home and have areas wide enough for emergency vehicles.

Inside

Install smoke detectors, the first warning against fire, on every level of the home. Give special attention to areas like the kitchen, bedroom hallways and staircases. Keep fire extinguishers handy. Consider a residential fire sprinkler system to further protect the home (and it could serve as a unique marketing feature for the property).

With gas and oil prices soaring, fire incidents involving heating equipment are expected to rise. According to a recently released National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) report, heating equipment is a leading cause of home fires and nearly half of all home fires occur in December, January and February.

"Heating a home to a comfortable temperature is something we would like everyone to be able to accomplish without it resulting in a tragic fire," said Acting Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Chairman Nancy Nord. "It is important that heating equipment is properly used and maintained. Fires often start when heaters are left too close to things that can burn. Consumers can protect themselves by making sure that space heaters or other equipment are not too close to clothing, mattresses, bedding, cushioned furniture or other things that might ignite."

According to NFPA, in 2005, heating equipment was involved in an estimated 62,200 reported home structure fires, 670 civilian deaths, 1,550 civilian injuries, and $909 million in direct property damage. The NFPA report found that although fires were more likely to begin in chimneys or chimney connectors, usually because they were not cleaned, fires involving space heaters were the most deadly. While space heaters were involved in only one-third of heating fires, they accounted for three-fourths of the fires deaths.

NFPA Assistant Vice President of Fire Analysis and Research John Hall and the CPSC recommend the following heating safety tips:

• Space heaters need space. Keep all things that can burn, such as paper, bedding or furniture, at least 3 feet away from heating equipment.

• Turn portable heaters off when you go to bed or leave the room.

• Plug power cords only into outlets with sufficient capacity and never into an extension cord.

• Inspect for cracked, frayed or broken plugs or loose connections. Replace before using.

• Have your chimney inspected each year and cleaned if necessary.

• Use a sturdy fireplace screen.

• Allow ashes to cool before disposing. Dispose of ashes in a metal container.

• Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. For the best protection interconnect all smoke alarms throughout the home -- when one sounds, they all sound. Test smoke alarms at least once a month.

• Install and maintain a carbon monoxide alarm in a central location outside each sleeping area.

• Never use an oven to heat your home.

Reducing the risks associated with home fires is not only helpful for both current and prospective homeowners but also the communities where the property is located. It's a nice way to start a relationship and a simple gesture that will not be forgotten.