This year’s wildfires, ranging from the massive McFarland Fire up north to the local Palisades Fire, have devastated vast areas of our state. Winter rainfall creates extra growth that acts as fuel for these fires, while the extreme drought increases the risk of wildfire by a large amount. These changes to the climate show no signs of slowing, meaning that it is more important than ever to make your home fire safe. To keep Angelenos safe during the fire season, here are a few reminders for residents from our friends at the California Wildfire Coordinating Group:

  • When cutting tall, dry grass, use string vegetation trimmers instead of mowers with metal blades.
  • Mow before 10am but never when it’s windy or excessively dry.
  • Remove rocks! Remove rocks from dry grass or weeds before cutting. Metal mower blades hitting rocks can cause sparks, which can start wildfires.
  • Chainsaws spark! Ensure that chainsaws and other equipment have approved spark arrestors.
  • Cutting, welding, and grinding. Always sharpen, weld and grind on a paved enclosed area.
  • Be ready! Have water and a fire extinguisher readily available.
  • Clear away extra brush near your home following these guidelines.
  • Harden your home and make it less likely that fire will reach your house.
  • Report all fires by calling 9-1-1. Report the location, what is burning, how fast it is moving, how tall the flames are and what is in danger. Remember to stay on the phone with the operator.

What to do with the brush you have cleared:

Do you know that if your green bin is too full and cannot close, it may not be collected? LA Sanitation and Environment offers extra capacity tags for residential use when you need a large amount of trash collected – like all the brush you have cleared from your yard. Visit our website to learn how to buy and use these tags.

 

For more information on fire preparedness:

Visit the Los Angeles Fire Department or the California Wildfire Coordinating Group. Remember one less spark may mean one less wildfire!

 

Portions reprinted with permission from the California Wildfire Coordinating Group.