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Figure 2. Hazard ratings for open space properties. <br />MITIGATION OPTIONS <br />Many of the open space properties in Louisville are surrounded by homes; have transmission lines that <br />traverse the parcel;have railroads along the parcel; or have other types of infrastructure in close <br />proximity. A wildfire would not only impact the open space propertyitself but could also quickly impact <br />the surrounding structuresor infrastructure mentioned above. Although the grass fuels provide ample <br />fuel for wildfires and spread quickly, simple mitigation activities can reduce their extent and impact. <br />The properties identified as high should be given priority for treatment because they pose the greatest <br />threat to infrastructure, followed by the moderate and the low. <br />It is the responsibility of the homeowner to mitigate thewildfire risk on their property, including <br />reducing fuels and minimizing the amount of yard debris. Evergreen trees and other planted vegetation <br />can often carryfire initiating on open space directly to the home. Actions should be taken to reduce the <br />continuity of fuels from the property boundary to the house. This may include mowing and irrigating <br />lawns,limbing trees, trimming shrubs, cleaning gutters, andeven replacing specific species (like <br />junipers) with less flammable ones. The following link provides homeowners with many resources to <br />help reduce their risk: http://www.firewise.org/Information/Who-is-this-for/Homeowners.aspx.Fencing <br />material should be evaluated by the homeowner and older fences should be replaced. Wooden, <br />combustible privacy fences can catch fire if there is direct flame impingement for a long enough period <br />of time. From there, it could be possible for fire to reach the home if the fence continues to burn. Non- <br />combustible fencing and maintaining vegetation near the fence line will reduce wildfire risk to private <br />4 <br />