Lightning all around, so get ready for wildfire; here’s your honey-do list
Conditions are just right for significant wildfire potential in parts of the country, and Washington is no exception, reported Seattle’s KING 5 last night (July 12). The news story featured DNR’s fire protection crews.
If you live where there is a risk of
wildfires, ask yourself: ‘Have I prepared my yard and home for
wildfire?’ Defensible space is one of the best ways to save your home if
a wildfire occurs in your area.
Here are eight things you can do this weekend to improve the odds of your home surviving a wildfire (see graphic):
1) Remove dead or overhanging branches.
During the windy conditions that exist during a wildland fire, flames,
sparks and firebrands could travel from the tree to the roof of this
structure.
2) Remove leaves from your yard; leaf accumulation provides fuel for a wildland fire.
3) Remove leaf clutter from your roof and
gutters; during a wildland fire, leaves on the roof and/or in the
gutters could be ignited by flying embers.
4) Remove tall, dry grasses that could provide a path for fire leading directly to a house.
5) Remove “ladder fuels”. Prune tree limbs
so the lowest limb is between 6 feet to 10 feet from the ground. Fire
burning through tall, dry grass could ignite these limbs and climb to
the top of the tree with relative ease.
6) Check your generator and garden hose to
be sure they are in good shape. Hoses develop leaks and deteriorate with
age and exposure. Refuel gas-powered garden equipment carefully. During
wildland fire season, fuel your lawn mower properly – away from dry,
flammable grasses.
7) Prune bushes and shrubs regularly. Remove excess growth as well as dead leaves and branches to decrease their flammability.
8) Dispose cuttings and debris promptly, according to local regulations.
For more tips on protecting your home and family from wildfire, visit www.firewise.org
Stay connected this wildfire season with real-time updates on DNR’s Fire Twitter site.
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