Brush Fire Safety

Brush Fire Safety

The winter and spring rains result in a lot of vegetation around the Valley. But as temperatures climb, the vegetation dries out… and becomes a serious fire risk. Don’t let your home or property fall victim to a brush fire. Be sure to maintain your property and landscaping in a fire-wise condition.

Keep weeds and grass cut.
Remove dead and piled up vegetation, and dispose of it properly.
Properly dispose of trash and debris. Piles of refuse such as old furniture, boxes and pallets are fires waiting to happen. Even old cars can burn!
Stack firewood away from structures, fences or anything else that may be combustible.

If you live in an outlying or more rural area, consider these additional steps:

Create at least a 30-ft. safety zone or firebreak around your home.
Limit the use of flammable plants in landscape design. Choose fire resistant varieties.
Plant trees and large shrubs in sparse, separate areas.
Limit the use of trees and shrubs that have large volumes of foliage and branches.
Limit the use of plants that have shaggy bark or dry leaves that shed annually.
Limit the use of plants that develop dry or dead undergrowth.
Limit the placement of plants next to structures, under eaves, overhangs, decks, etc.
Limit the use of plants placed at the bases of trees or large shrubs.
Remove ladder fuels (plants that provide a link between the ground and tree limbs).

Maintenance Hints:

Conduct regular maintenance to reduce the opportunity for brush fires.
Remove low hanging branches. Also, remove tree limbs around chimneys.
Keep the roof clear. Sweep gutters and eaves, and wash the roof on a regular basis to get rid of dry needles and leaves.
Control the height of ground vegetation and mow the grass often.
Remove dead and accumulated vegetation, and dispose of it properly.
Provide enough water to keep plants healthy and green. Keep irrigation systems in good working order.
Top trees only when necessary as topping creates too many lower branches that can increase the fire danger.
Remove or thin the dead wood and the older trees beyond 100 feet from the house.
Store and use flammable liquids properly.
ALWAYS dispose of cigarettes carefully.

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