Drought Reinforces Need for Defensible Space
CAL FIRE is asking homeowners to prepare earlier in creating Defensible Space due to California's current drought conditions.
A few helpful reminders and safety tips include:
- 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.
- 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.
The Chipper Program is a fuel reduction program to help decrease our community s threat from wildfire. With a grant from the Fireman's Fund, WFPD purchased a wood chipper, which will be used to chip vegetation removed by homeowners. The chipper will enable the Fire District to easily dispose of large amounts of fuel.