Better Fire SAFE than Sorry
Take
steps to protect your home from wildfires
The
images of the Valley View wildfire (2008) are still burned in
the minds of area residents. The devastating wildfire near
the Dishman Hills Natural Area in Spokane Valley scorched 1,000
acres, destroyed 11 homes, and forced numerous evacuations. Wildfires
are inevitable, especially in dry years, and there is no way
to completely stop them. There are steps you can take.
Yard care: According
to Bill Krueger, pruning manager with C&C Yardcare, the idea
is to turn the area around your home into a "park setting". Tree
canopies should be no lower than 12 feet from the ground to prevent
flames from jumping into the limbs.
Avoid
highly flammable plants: Arboraitaes,
popular as ornamental shrubbery, are also highly combustible.
Don't
forget your roof, deck, and gutters: Keep
these areas clean of pine needles and debris. A single spark
can ignite a fire.
Above
information: Modified from - Darin Burt: Better Fire Safe
than Sorry
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