Drought Reinforces Need for Defensible Space

1. Equipment Use Safety

• Never mow or trim dry grass on a Red Flag Warning Day. (Mow before 10 a.m. on a day when it’s not hot and windy).
• Never use lawn mowers in dry vegetation.
• Spark arresters are required in wildland areas on all portable gasoline powered equipment.

2. Campfire Safety

• Before starting a campfire, make sure you have a campfire permit and that they are permitted on the land you are visiting.
• Afterwards, ensure that your campfire is properly extinguished.

4. Vehicle

• Never pull over in dry grass.
• Ensure trailer chains don't drag on the ground.
• Make sure your vehicle is properly maintained. 
• Have proper tire pressure to avoid driving on wheel rim.
• Never let your brake pads wear too thin.

  5. Other

• Make sure cigarette butts are properly extinguished.
• Never burn landscape debris like leaves or branches on NO Burn Days or when it's windy or areas where not allowed.
• Target shoot only in approved areas, use lead ammunition only, and never at metal targets.
• Report any suspicious activities to prevent arson.

For more fire prevention tips visit www.firesafesanmateo.org or www.PreventWildfireCA.org.