Structure Protection in the WUI

There are some who build in the Wilderness-Urban Interface (WUI) who are responsible, have plenty of money and/or time, and understand the need for preparation for the eventuality of close wildfire. On the whole, the overwhelming ecological and often aesthetic benefits of projects that reduce risk of loss during a wildfire event on such properties can drive some homeowners to at least do something about their WUI landscape hazards. Nevertheless, most people in the interface have a lack of education and skills necessary for fuels assessment and reduction previous to a wildfire event. 

And that's often why we as firefighters enter the picture with the principals and skills to build and educate about defensible space and "Structure Protection."

Indeed that prep work is only one small part of the process of of what becomes Structure Pro- and keep in mind that it is a process- that often takes more time than is available in the face of an imminent Wildland fire threat.

Here are a few learning aids that describe, educate on, and facilitate the processes that precede, enable, and strengthen the structure protection role that we can take on as Wildland firefighters, whether volunteers, professionals, or contractors on the fireground.

Video: A Basic Primer on Structure Protection Lingo and Practice

Six Minutes for Safety: Wildland Urban Interface – Structure Protection 

Structure Protection Tactics Guide

Triage Considerations

Rapid Structure Assessment 

Structure Defense Guide Card - S-Facts

Wildland Structure Protection Guide Card

Structure Protection Process

1. Assessment and Size-Up

Initial Evaluation: Size up incoming fire behavior, wind direction, topography (like chimneys or saddles), and ingress/egress routes.
Safety Verification: Identify a designated Safety Zone and Temporary Refuge Area (TRA) before committing resources.
Resource Check: Gauge water supplies, hose availability, and structural hazards (such as power drops and LPG tanks). 

2. Structure Triage Categories

Firefighters rapidly categorize each building to match appropriate actions with available time: 

Defensible – Stand Alone: Minimal threat; safety zone present; building likely survives without direct intervention.
Defensible – Prep and Hold: Savable with minor tactical action and active on-site crew protection as the fire front passes.
Non-Defensible – Prep and Leave: Severe threat or lack of a safety zone; rapid prep is done if time permits before retreating to a safe trigger point. 
Non-Defensible – Rescue / Drive-By: Extreme danger; conditions prevent any safe suppression activity; resources only perform rapid rescue if viable. 

3. Preparation and Defense Tactics

Structure Prep: Clear combustibles (wood piles, patio furniture, etc.) from the sides, close all doors and windows, and place ladders at safe corners.
Tactical Actions: Deploy methods like Check and Go, Prep and Defend, Anchor and Hold, or Bump and Run depending on the shifting fire front. 
Apparatus Safety: Position engines facing out for mobility, shield them from radiant heat, and maintain reserve water capacity.

4. Mop-Up and Tactical Patrol

Ember Checks: Extinguish smoldering spot fires, check rain gutters, and inspect attic vents or eaves for hidden ignition points.
Hazard Mitigation: Monitor downed power lines, unstable burned trees, and secondary flare-ups until the threat completely subsides.