| Property owners can lower their risk of fire damage. |
Drought conditions across Texas have created ideal wildfire conditions this winter. Burn bans were in effect in 180 Texas counties as of March 3, and more than 69,000 acres have burned across Texas since November 2005. These tips from the Texas Forest Service can help you lower the risk of wildfire damage to your property.
Homes and buildings
- Create a defensible space of at least 30 feet around buildings and have fire tools handy such as ladders, shovels, rakes and buckets. Keep garden hoses connected at all sides of your home.
- Mow lawns and remove tree branches within 15 feet of the ground.
- Keep firewood, wooden picnic tables, boats, stacked lumber, and other combustibles at least 30 feet to 100 feet away from your home and remove deadwood in the landscape.
- Clear roof surfaces and gutters regularly to avoid build-up of flammable materials such as leaves.
- Place gas tanks away from buildings and keep the area around the tank clear of vegetation. Store gasoline in an approved safety can away from occupied buildings.
Agriculture and land management
- Establish fuel breaks along roadways and between fields or woodlands.
- Keep mufflers and spark arresters on agricultural equipment in proper working order and avoid rocks and metal when bush hogging or mowing.
- Monitor hay-baling operations closely – dry hay can ignite in the baler.
- Watch out for welding sparks when repairing fences and equipment.
- Avoid driving or parking vehicles in grassy areas where tall, dry grass may come into contact with hot pollution control equipment under vehicles.
- Postpone outdoor burning until your area greens up. Check first with the local fire department on the status of outdoor burn bans in your area.
- Before burning debris, surround the burn area with wide, earthen control spaces and clear the area of grass, leaves, scrap wood and other combustibles. Burn trash in a burn barrel or other fire-safe receptacle covered with a wire mesh to help contain burning debris. Stay with your fire until it is out.
More: Texas Forest Service
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