Keep a 30-foot "safety zone"
surrounding the home clear of brush and cedar,
especially for those living in a woodland area.
Grass should be cut short in this area as well.
For homes that sit on a steep slope, the safety
zone should be increased accordingly.
Stack firewood at least 15 feet and uphill from
the home.
Rake leaves, cut off dead limbs and twigs, and
mow grass regularly. Cut tree limbs within 15 feet
of the ground and remove dead branches that extend
over the roof.
Don't park cars, trucks, or recreational
vehicles on dry grass or shrubs. Exhaust systems
on vehicles can reach a temperature of more than
1000 degrees; it only takes about 500 degrees to
start a brush fire in the summer.
Use an approved spark arrester on all internal
combustion engine-powered equipment. This special
muffler helps ensure that sparks generated by
off-road vehicles, chainsaws and other equipment
don’t start wildfires. Check and replace spark
arresters periodically.
Maintain equipment in good working order.
Parents should emphasize to their children the
dangers of playing with fire. Many grass fires are
started by children who have no idea how quickly
flames can grow and spread.
Homeowners who barbeque should maintain a
10-foot area free of brush and shrubbery around
grills and propane tanks. Non-flammable screens
should be placed over the grill (with mesh no
coarser than 1/4 inch thick). Never leave a grill
unattended. After use, place grill ashes in a
metal bucket and soak in water.
Keep a shovel, bucket of water, fire
extinguisher, or other fire suppression tools on
hand.
