Every year hundreds of hectares of land are destroyed by raging wild fires that burn uncontrollably, causing devastation to the natural environment, farmlands and often to homes and property in their path. Because fires usually to homes and property in their path. Because fires usually occur in hot, dry, windy conditions, when conditions are favorable a small insignificant smoldering fire maybe fanned into an out of control inferno in no time at all, often flaring up in many different places simultaneously, making it difficult for fire fighters to contain all fronts with their limited resources, leading to runaway bush with their limited resources, leading to runaway bush fires. In the past few years we have witnessed numerous runaway fires that have caused serious damage and loss of property across the world. In the wake of such devastation it would seem prudent for homeowners to take precautions to prevent extensive damage to their properties posed by the ever-present threat of runaway fires In most instances this merely requires the implementation of a few simple cost-effective measures, and a bit of forward planning. Although homes on the urban fringe bordering natural areas are most at risk, very often it is homes nowhere near the fire front that are razed, as wind blown embers ignite combustible material on or near the house, setting it ablaze — thatch roof homes are always vulnerable and require special attention. Essentially, a fire needs three elements to sustain it: fuel (vegetation or combustible material/liquid/gas), ignition (spark) and air (wind). We can prevent or stop a fire by removing any one of these elements We can’t do much about the wind, but we can prevent fires by not starting fires we cannot stop. Don’t make fires on a windy day where they can quickly be fanned out of control. As the saying goes, it only takes a spark to get a fire going, so by not adding spark we can prevent fires. Don’t throw burning cigarette butts out the car window, play with matches or leave a fire burning unattended. We can also take measures to slow or even stop a fire spreading by reducing the combustible fuel load available. By doing so you may save your house in the event of fire.