PREPARING A HOUSE FOR WILDLAND FIRE SEASON

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 leaf accumulation 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. Tall, dry grasses provide a path for fire that can lead directly to a house.

5) Remove "ladder fuels". Prune tree limbs so the lowest is between 6' - 10' 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/or hose to be sure it is in good repair. Refuel garden equipment carefully. Yard equipment needs annual maintenance and proper fueling. Hoses develop leaks and deteriorate with age and exposure. 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, and the threat they could pose during a wildland fire.

Dispose of cuttings and debris promptly, according to local regulations.