Brush Fire Safety

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