We know that fires frequently occur, but no one seems to think they will be the victim of a fire.  However, hundreds of people are victimized by fire every year in this country. There are some precautions we can all take to reduce the risk of our becoming the victim of a fire. Use the following tips to help keep you and your family safe especially during the hot, dry season.

Protect your home from wildfire

• Create a 30-foot non-combustible defensible space around your home. Stack firewood away from the home.
• Trim branches along driveways so that they are 14 feet off the ground, 14 feet from other surfaces and 10 feet from the roof and power lines.
• Use non-combustible roofing materials. Keep gutters and foundation screen vents free from debris.
• Keep yards watered and mowed. Plant low-growing, less-flammable plants near homes.
• Post your address in a location that is visible from all directions for at least 150 feet.

Campfires

• Call before you go – Call your local forestry or fire district to learn if there any current campfire restrictions.
• Select the right spot – Choose campgrounds with established fire pits. If campfires are allowed outside campgrounds, avoid areas near your tent, structures, vehicles, shrubs and trees. Be aware of low-hanging branches overhead. Clear the site down to mineral soil, at least five feet on all sides, and circle your campfire site with rocks.
• Keep your campfire small.
• NEVER use gasoline.
• Always have a shovel and a bucket of water nearby to extinguish any escaped embers.
• When you leave, drown all embers with water, stir the coals and drown again until it is DEAD OUT.

For more information and tips, visit our web site at www.lincolncountysheriff.net