Vegetation Management
Are you doing the right thing the wrong way - for example, trying to eliminate the fire hazards around your home and in the process starting a wildland fire?
- Do all yard maintenance that requires a gas or electrical motor before 10 a.m.
Not in the heat of the day, or when the wind is blowing!
- Lawn mowers are designed to mow lawns. Never use lawn mowers in dry vegetation.
- Use a weed trimmer to cut down dry weeds and grass.
- Remove rocks in the area before you begin operating any equipment. A rock hidden in grass or weeds is enough to start a fire when struck by a metal blade.
- In wildland areas, spark arresters are required on all portable gasoline powered equipment including tractors, chain saws, weedeaters, mowers, and motorcycles.
- In wildland areas, a permit may be required for grinding and welding operations, and spark shields may be required on equipment. Be sure to have 10 feet of clearance, a 46” round point shovel, and a backpump water-type fire extinguisher ready to use.
- Hot exhaust pipes and mufflers can start fires you won’t even see, until it’s too late!
- Don’t pull off into dry grass or brush.
- Keep a cell phone nearby and call 911 immediately in case of a fire.