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 With our long winter now coming to a close,
we have been pleasantly surprised by some recent warm weather.
With warmer weather comes dry vegetation that can result
in brush fires that burn
and spread
quickly.
It is important
to take into consideration some landscaping and home maintenance
tips to ensure safe surroundings.
Landscaping Tips
- Remove weeds and keep grass cut.
- Any dead and piled up vegetation should be disposed
of properly.
- If you have any firewood left over from the winter,
stack it away from structures.
- Limit the use of flammable plants in your landscaping,
contact your local home and garden center if you have
questions about safe plants.
- Plants trees and shrubs with room to grow in sparse
and separate areas, and choose trees that don't have
too many branches. The distance from tree to house should
always be greater than the height of the tree.
- Try not to use plants that develop dead undergrowth.
- Try not to place plants too close to structures and
under overhangs or eaves.
- Provide adequate water to keep plants healthy and green.
- Keep sprinkler systems in good working order.
- Trim dead wood off of trees.
Home Maintenance Tips
- Trash and debris should be properly disposed of. Piles
of trash, such as old home furnishings, boxes and
even cars are potential fire hazards.
- Store flammable liquids properly.
- Always dispose of cigarettes carefully.
- Keep the roof clean and clear. If possible wash the
roof on a regular basis.
Other Sources of Information
Check with your local library or garden center for availability
of these published materials.
Five Hot Tips for Homeowners on the Edge by
Herbert McLean, in American Forest, vol. 99, no. 5-6, 1993
Guide to Landscaping for Fire Safety, 2nd. Ed., University
of California, 1992
Firescaping: Ways To Keep Your House and Garden from
Going up in Smoke by Joan Boulton in Horticulture, The
Magazine of American Gardening, vol. 69, no. 8, 1991
Protecting Residences from Wildfires: A Guide for Homeowners,
Lawmakers, and Planners Technical Report No. 50, U.S. Department
of Agriculture, 1981
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