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Urban Wild -Land Interface Code <br />Question and Answers <br />Where are the urban wild -land interface areas? <br />Currently, the urban wild -land interface areas consist of any area which cannot <br />demonstrate adequate fire flow -an -any area outside a fire district. Also, in heavily <br />timbered, mountainous regions or areas sparsely populated, each jurisdiction can map <br />out additional areas to incorporate into the urban wild -land interface. <br />What is fire flow? <br />The flow rate of a water supply, measured at 20 pounds per square inch residual <br />pressure that is available for fire fighting. The criterion of 20 psi residual pressure is <br />used because that is the minimum pressure recommended for fire engines and provides <br />a consistent point from which to measure the available flow <br />What is the main objective of the UWIC? <br />The UWIC mitigates damage and risk to life and property and reduces the risk of forest <br />fires due to structure fires in hazard areas (and vice versa). Fuel reduction at the <br />interface between natural lands and developments can reduce the intensity of the fires <br />before they enter populated areas within the urban wild -land interface. <br />Research has shown that the most important factors influencing building survival <br />during a wildfire are fire intensity, vegetation characteristics, building materials <br />(especially roofing) and maintaining defensible space. Strategies for protecting <br />homes from wildfires have been developed with these factors in mind. <br />How does UWIC affect construction? <br />Any building constructed on, or moved to an urban wild -land area must be constructed <br />of ignition resistant materials (Class 1-3). The class of fire resistant materials will <br />depend upon the hazard rating for that particular property. <br />❖ Any new structure built in a Class 1 fire area must have a sprinkler system <br />installed. <br />❖ Fire protection plans must be submitted to the Kittitas County Department of <br />Community Development Services prior to a permit being issued. <br />❖ A defensible space plan must be submitted prior to the issuance of a building <br />permit. <br />❖ All chimneys must be provided with spark arresters. <br />❖ LPG tanks shall be located within the defensible space listed for that property. <br />❖ Storage of firewood and combustible materials shall be stored within defensible <br />space, but no closer than 20 feet to any structure. <br />❖ No fireworks are allowed within the UWIC <br />❖ Water supply sources shall be reliable and protected from fire loss <br />2 <br />