Each year fire departments respond to thousands of fires started by people using equipment the wrong way. Whether working to create defensible space around your home, just mowing dry grass, or pulling your dirt bike over to the side of the road, if you live in a wild land area you need to use all equipment responsibly. Lawnmowers, weed eaters, chainsaws, grinders, welders, tractors and trimmers can all spark a wild land fire. Do your part, the right way to keep your community fire safe.

• Mow before 10 a.m. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot to mow. REMEMBER, DON’T MOW DURING THE HEAT OF THE DAY OR WHEN THE WIND IS BLOWING!

• Beware – Lawn mowers are designed to mow lawns, not dry grass, weeds or rocks! A grass-hidden rock is enough to start a fire when struck by a metal blade. Remove rocks from the area before you begin mowing.

• In wild land areas, spark arresters are required on all portable gasoline powered equipment. This includes tractors, harvesters, chainsaws, weed eaters and mowers.

• Keep the exhaust system, spark arresters and mower in proper working order and free of carbon buildup. Use the recommended grade of fuel and don’t top off.

• In wild land areas, grinding and welding operations require a permit plus 10 feet of clearance, a 46-inch round point shovel, and a backpack water type fire extinguisher – all ready to use.

• Hot exhaust pipes and mufflers can start fires you won’t even see-until it’s too late! Don’t drive your vehicle onto dry grass or brush.

• Keep a cell phone nearby and call 911 immediately in case of a fire.

(C) 2005 Fire Safe Council

For more Fire wise tips visit the

Fire Safe Council of Nevada County’s website.

 

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John J. O’Dell Realtor® GRI
Civil Engineer
General Contractor
(530) 263-1091
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DRE# 00669941