Published: May 15, 2007 06:44 pm      

Fire prevention tips

Wildfire Safety Rules

Keep gutters and eaves clear of yard debris, sticks, pine needles and leaves.

Trim all trees to height of at least 6-10 feet off of the ground.Develop a disaster plan, including a plan to rapidly leave your home and having two ways out of your subdivision.

Follow all local regulations for burning of yard debris.

Contact your local Division of Forestry office for specific tips on what you can do to make your home, property and subdivision “Firewise.”

Visit www.firewise.org for more landscaping and construction tips.

Fire Weather

Weather is one of the most significant factors in determining the severity of wildland fires. The spread rate and intensity of fires is directly rated to the wind speed, temperature and relative humidity. Climatic conditions such as long term drought also play a major role in the number and intensity of wildfires.

Fire Weather Watch

A Fire Weather Watch is issued when Red Flag conditions are expected within the next 72 hours.

Red Flag Warning

A Red Flag Warning is issued when forecast weather conditions together with existing environmental conditions could result in extreme fire behavior or, as in the case of dry lightning, extensive fire starts within the next 24 hours.