Can you believe it is already JULY?? We are heading into fire season now. Residents doing their part in preventing fires is crucial for the safety of both the residents and the environment.
Just a couple of weeks ago, heading home from a demolition site, our crew member noticed a fire on the side of the road, pulled over, and quickly put the fire out since he had the water wagon in tow. Right place, right time. Proper landscape maintenance could have prevented this incident.
Here are some ways residents can help prevent fires on their property:
Create defensible space
Maintain a defensible space around your property by clearing away flammable vegetation, debris, and dead plants.
This creates a buffer zone that helps slow down the spread of fire.
Use fire-resistant landscaping
Opt for fire-resistant plants that are less likely to ignite and can act as a barrier between structures and potential fire fuel.
Examples of fire-resistant plants include aloe vera, yucca, agave, and cacti.
Avoid highly flammable plants like juniper and pine.
Regularly maintain vegetation
Keep your landscape well-maintained by regularly trimming and removing dead branches, leaves, and grasses.
Prune trees to remove low-hanging branches and create a separation between the ground and the tree canopy.
Properly store firewood
If you have firewood on your property, store it at least 30 feet away from any structures.
Keep it covered and elevated off the ground to prevent ignition from ground fires or embers.
Install spark arresters (prevent sparks and embers from escaping out of chimneys, stovepipes, and other venting systems)
Equip chimneys, stovepipes, and vents with spark arresters to prevent sparks and embers from escaping and igniting nearby vegetation or structures.
Maintain and clean gutters
Regularly clean your gutters and roofs, as dry leaves and debris can accumulate there and become potential fire fuel.
This is particularly important during the dry season.
Stay informed
Stay updated on your area's fire conditions, weather forecasts, and fire restrictions. Follow the recommendations and guidelines provided by local fire departments, land management agencies, and authorities.
Remember, fire prevention is a collective effort. Encourage your neighbors and community members to adopt fire-safe practices, as a well-prepared community is better equipped to prevent and respond to wildfires effectively.