Safety Tips to Prevent Brush, Grass, and Wild Fires
Although we have some decent moisture in the area now, it won’t take long to dry back out.
Brush and grass fires can sometimes start from natural causes, such as a lightning strike. However, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), these types of fires can often be prevented by following a few simple safety rules whether at the campsite, home or just around your community.
- Place cigarette butts in metal containers. Do not throw them on the ground or into vegetation.
- When it comes time… leave the fireworks to the professionals.
- Reduce the risk from sparks, be sure nothing is dragging from your vehicle.
- Don’t drive your vehicle onto dry grass or brush. Exhaust pipes and mufflers can start fires before you know it.
- Mowing lawns before 10 a.m. is best, but never mow when it is windy or excessively dry. Lawn mowers, weed eaters, chain saws, grinders, welders, tractors, and trimmers can all throw sparks.
- Don’t let a target shooting hobby start a wildfire – Avoid steel bullets outside as they can spark when they hit rocks or other hard objects. Observe all restrictions about where, when and what to shoot.
These same rules apply to Campfires or Burn piles.
Outdoor Burning
- Be aware of, and comply with, any local ordinances or permit requirements pertaining to outdoor or open air burning such as Campfires, Brush piles, Fire pits, Chimineas or outdoor fireplaces.
- Landscape debris piles or campfires are most manageable if kept in a small 4- foot in diameter.
- Clear all flammable material and vegetation within 5-feet (10 feet is best) of the outer edge of the fire.
- Stay mindful of current weather conditions when burning. If it’s windy and the surrounding vegetation is very dry, it may be best to wait and burn landscape debris another day.
- Dry, natural vegetation, grown on the property can still be burned outdoors in open piles, unless prohibited by local ordinances.
No household trash or garbage should be burned outdoors at residences.- Do not use gasoline or other flammable or combustible liquids to burn brush, trash, or other waste.
- Keep a water supply and shovel close to the burning site.
A responsible adult should always be in attendance until the fire is out.- Never leave an outdoor fire unattended.
- Be sure to put out the fire completely before leaving the area unattended.
Do your part to keep your community fire safe.