Skip to main content
search

IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY THIS SITE IS NOT MONITORED. FOR CURRENT INFORMATION GO TO HTTPS://EMERGENCY.MARINCOUNTY.GOV.

Fire-Resistant Tarps

โ€œI received a notice from the Fire Department that said to cover my woodpile with fire-resistant materials. What is that?โ€

The law (14 CCR ยง 1299.03) states that exposed firewood within 30 feet of structures should be covered by a โ€œfire resistive materialโ€, but does not specify what materials comply.ย  To best protect firewood from ignition by embers, itย should be moved inside a well-sealed, protected structure (for example, a โ€œhardenedโ€ garage or shed with defensible space space around it, sealed doors, and screened vents).ย  If this is not an option, move the pile at least 30 feet from any structure and cover with a tarp that complies with, at a minimum, the NFPA 701 Method 2 standard. Typical โ€œpolyโ€ tarps available at a hardware store are not adequate, as embers may burn/meltย through them.

While we donโ€™t have a specific recommendation for a vendor or brand of tarps,ย this may be a good place to start.

A tarp covering must be securely fastened, to prevent embers from finding their way to the woodpile even during the strong winds associated with wildfires. Also, be sure to check the tarpโ€™s integrity annually โ€“ long term performance when exposed to UV is unknown and may vary from product to product.

Donโ€™t forget that this code also requiresย all exposed woodpiles to have a minimum of ten feet (10 ft.) of clearance, down to bare mineral soil, in all directions.

Itโ€™s worth noting that this code, passed at the state level, is based on decades of firefighter observations of home ignitions during wildfires as a result of woodpiles.

Fire-Resistant Tarps

Here is another option, untested by FSM, that can be found on Amazon under โ€œFire Retardant Canvas Tarp.โ€

Close Menu
Translate ยป
Skip to content