Firebreaks are strips of bare soil or fire retarding vegetation meant to stop or control fire.
Here are some tips and thoughts to install a firebreak:
When possible take advantage of natural or man-made barriers such as roads, ponds, etc.
Firebreaks may be temporary or permanent and can be fire-resistant vegetation, nonflammable materials, bare ground, or a combination of these.
Make sure the firebreaks are of an adequate width. Usually a 10 ft. wide strip can stop creeping, ground fires.
Take steps to avoid creating unwanted soil erosion.
Make it beautiful and useful, like a hack trail or an allée. For example, Italian Cypress is noted as one of the most fire resistant trees.
The major costs involved may include:
Clearing the firebreak strip
Blading, disking or plowing a firebreak
Hand tools to control vegetation
Hauling controlled vegetation
Mowing
Labor
Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. No one wants a fire.