Wildfires have emerged as a growing public safety concern for much of the Western United States. The combination of extreme heat, low humidity, dry terrain, high winds, and nearby fuels/vegetation increases wildfire risk. How can you lower your risk? Along with the safety tips below, you can contact the fire station at (253) 884-4040 to schedule a Wildfire Risk Assessment Survey of your property to identify potential areas of concern.
CAMPFIRE SAFETY
If your fire escapes, you will be responsible for paying for fire suppression personnel and equipment, as required by state law.
Campfires are allowed only when a campfire burn restriction is not in place
Campfires are permitted on DNR-managed lands only in approved fire pits
Ensure there is a shovel and buckets of water close by
Never walk away from a smoldering campfire.
Put the fire out cold before leaving - if it's too hot to touch, it's too hot to leave
Protect our forestlands by reporting illegal or unsupervised campfires to 911 or the DNR South Puget Sound Region office at (253) 825-1631 email: southpuget.region@dnr.wa.gov.
HOME LANDSCAPING IN DRY CONDITIONS
Work in the mornings or late evenings to avoid the hottest parts of the day, and postpone your work when the weather calls for low humidity or high wind.
Keep a water hose or bucket or fire extinguisher on hand.
Use a nylon or plastic weed whacker line instead of metal.
Be careful not to set a hot tool down on dry grass or leaves.
Allow power engines to cool before refueling, and make sure the hot exhaust is kept away from dry grasses, weeds, and shrubs - only use such equipment that’s in good repair and has spark arresters installed (when applicable).
Stay home for an hour after finishing your work - this way you’ll be around to notice if anything begins to smolder and smoke.
If conditions are right for outdoor burning, keep your debris piles small and have a hose ready should your fire escape.
ADDITIONAL PREVENTION TIPS
Be sure recreation vehicles have operating spark arrestors.
Do not park vehicles in dry, grassy areas as residual heat from exhaust systems can ignite the dry grass.
Know the current wildfire risk in your county, destination, or area you may be working in.
Note: It's always illegal to light fireworks or use incendiary ammunition or exploding targets on DNR-protected lands.
GET WILDFIRE READY WITH:
Credit: mil.wa.gov, dnr.wa.gov, pse.com
Comments