Defensible Space
The True Story of the Ant and the Grasshopper

Scene opens with several houses on top of a hill in a remote setting. A rooster crows in the background, birds chip, and a butterfly flies around. The scene pans to two homes: one belongs to the Grasshopper and the other belongs to the Ant.

The two neighbors are outside having a conversation across the fence. The Ant is waving a flyer and discusses it in bug language with the Grasshopper. The Ant shows the Grasshopper the flyer, it says, "Defensible Space Works," shows a picture of a home on fire, and "Don't let this happen to you! Create a Defensible Space. Slope affects fire travel. Houses on slopes need more clearance." A diagram shows how much clearance is needed for a home on level ground, a home on a moderate slope, and a home on a steep slope. It continues to explain "You can Help. Houses on slopes need more clearance. Remove trees and branches that are flammable types away from roof. Limb Trees 8 to 10 feet from ground. Install and maintain a spark arrestor on your chimney. Post address so numbers are visible from street. Replace flammable vegetation with fire resistant plants.

The Ant is all ready to go to work and holds a rake in one hand and a saw in the other. The Ant smiles big at the Grasshopper. The Ant becomes unhappy when the Grasshopper yawns and appears not interested.

The Grasshopper takes a nap on a hammock with the flyer in his hands. Snoring sounds are heard. The Ant gets to work right away and mows his entire yard. The Grasshopper is still sleeping and snoring and drops the flyer to the ground. The Ant trims low branches from his tree and branches that hang over the roof of his house. Then he plants fire resistant plants around the border of his property. He puts up a sign that says "Pool: Water Source." And clearly marks his address on the front of his home.

Meanwhile....

A fire ant in a dried-out grassy area nearby strikes a match to light his cigarette, then tosses the match on the ground. The match begins smoldering, then wildfire breaks out. (Sirens are heard in the background). The Grasshopper smells the smoke and when he realizes it is a wildfire, his eyes bug out and he hops all over the place.

In the last scene, the Grasshopper's house is burned to the ground, nothing is left but charred beams and the chimney. The Ant's house, right next door, is intact and safe. It did not burn. The Ant has posted a sign in the front yard: "Thank you Firefighters!"

Defensible Space Works. Clearing vegetation, enhancing roads, and posting signs designating water sources reduces wildfire risk.

Not the End.

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