Wildfire precautions

Italy has been experiencing a severe drought this year and the result has been a series of summer wildfires all along the peninsula. While driving around the hills and mountains of Marche and Abruzzo you will encounter visible areas of blackened hillsides. Though most of these fires have been relatively small, the local newspapers have stories weekly of new fires in different areas causing property damage. More tragically, some firefighters died while battling a forest fire in Abruzzo.

There are simple steps you can take to protect your property from the dangers of forest and grass fires. Since structures in Italy are mostly masonry and concrete with tile roofs they have a degree of fire resistance but heat can still cause damage. The most important way to protect a structure is by creating what is called a “defensive zone” around the structures.

A "defensive zone" is an area with minimal fuel for the fire in close proximity to the home and buildings. It is created by the use of patio areas adjacent to structures and eliminating trees and shrubs that overhang or brush against the structure. Another common but overlooked source of fuel next to homes would be a wood pile for a stove or fireplace. (They are also havens for rodents and insects, all the more reason to place them further from your home.) Keeping weeds under control is also an important retardant, as they quickly sprout and then become tinder dry as the summer progresses. Dry grasses burn hot and quickly spread out of control.

Taking steps to protect your home from wildfire dangers may also provide discounts with your property insurance company. Be sure to discuss this possibility with your agent.

Escape Artist article

EscapeArtists.com’s Offshore Real Estate Magazine’s most recent on-line issue has an article that I submitted earlier this summer. This article is titled “The Who’s Who in Italian Real Estate” and identifies some of the people involved in real estate transactions for those who are new to the real estate market in Italy.