Often roads and driveways in rural areas are steep, narrow, overgrown with flammable vegetation, and provide no opportunities for vehicles to pass or turn around.  Not only does a well maintained and designed road provide for quicker and safer fire department access, but it also allows the homeowner better access to the house; and a quicker means of egress if an evacuation is ordered.

Be sure the name of your road is clearly marked and easily identifiable to responding fire trucks.  Also, make sure that your house number is clearly posted.  This will ensure they can find your home in an emergency.

Keep your driveways as short as possible, but also keep in mind that a large fire truck must be able to drive up the driveway.  Do not make the driveway so steep as to prevent the fire truck access.  Also, make sure to have plenty of room for a fire truck to turn around at the end of the road.  If your driveway is longer than 150’ then be sure to provide driveway turnouts to allow traffic to pass each other.

Clear the vegetation back at least 15 feet on each side of the driveway.  Prune large trees at least 18 feet high.  Remove all limbs and branches that might inhibit fire department access.

Provide for at least two ways in and out of your property.  That way if one road is blocked by fire, there will always be a secondary egress route available.