The smell of smoke and the sound of sirens have been too common as wildfires have burned in rural areas. Our woodlands are at risk of wildfires for at least one more month until summer rains begin -- longer if drenching rainstorms don't quench the parched ecosystems.

Land managers and ranchers use a technique called prescribed fire to encourage the development of healthy ecosystems while reducing the risk of destructive wildfires in natural areas. Homeowners should take steps to protect their property from wildfire when they live near natural grazing land, parks and preserves. Also, developers can design their projects to minimize wildfire risks while preserving nature.

Osceola County is rapidly becoming urban, yet there still are vast areas of ranchland and open space. Much of the area outside the Urban Growth Boundary will continue as ranchland or public lands. This provides for conservation of large tracts of natural ecosystems and agricultural land.

The challenge is at the rural-urban interface, the area where rural land and development meet. As the county grows, ranch lands within the boundary convert to urban development. Planners are working to accommodate the need for housing and economic growth and to balance that need with preservation and enhancement of natural lands.

Developments next to natural areas attract buyers who enjoy watching nature and who are willing to pay for this natural amenity, just as some are willing to pay for a golf-course community. Without proper planning, housing and businesses are at risk at this interface. Developers must plan for fire risk as someone near the fairway would plan for stray golf balls.

The University of Florida and the Florida Department of Agriculture's Division of Forestry work closely with community planners to understand these risks and develop "firewise communities."

One important concept is defensible space. This is an area that is not so prone to fire and is open for firetrucks to have access. A 30-foot defensible space is recommended around homes and structures to prevent damage from nearby fires. However, a 50-foot fire break should be at the perimeter where fire could threaten from outside the property.

Rather than removing all vegetation at the perimeter, leave large trees to provide shade and wildlife habitat. However, selectively remove flammable understory shrubs to slow the spread of ground fires from adjacent lands to the development. This must be done in a way that doesn't disturb the roots of existing trees.

Irrigated, thriving grass sod or other living ground cover is desirable at the interface perimeter. It is more fire resistant than leaves or organic mulch such as bark or pine needles, which we recommend for landscaping in less risky areas. Landscape architects familiar with native plants can recommend less flammable plants to help blend the natural area with urban landscapes.

Road layout, parking areas, perimeter landscaping and the location of stormwater ponds can all serve dual duty by providing needed services and performing as fire breaks between housing and fire-prone natural areas.

In natural areas where fire is a threat, it is critical to keep flammable mulch away from structures. This is a case in which gravel or bare soil is more beneficial than organic mulch. Wood fences are rustic and vinyl fencing is low maintenance but both are very flammable and not recommended for development in fire-prone areas.

Firetrucks need a water source. New developments are required to have fire hydrants, but stormwater ponds -- and sometimes swimming pools -- may become emergency sources when wildfires threaten homes in natural areas. Dry hydrants [piping with one end in a water source and the other end extending to dry land] also can provide easy hookups for firetrucks.

Developers should consider construction practices that minimize property risk, such as the use of tile or metal roofs instead of flammable asphalt shingles. Fiber cement siding has a good fire rating, is durable, requires low maintenance and is a good alternative to wood or vinyl in fire-prone communities.

For more ideas to protect your home and minimize fire risk to developments, contact the UF/IFAS Osceola County Extension Service at 321-697-3000.