Fire Safety during a drought Part 1

10/2/2020 (Permalink)

We've experienced a very dry Spring and Summer this year.

It's very important to remember to be cautious while you're out and about and when doing yard work around your home. It only takes a spark to trigger a fire that could have devastating consequences.

According to WMUR, most of northern New England is in the midst of a drought
after three months of low rainfall.

The State Drought Monitor maintained by
the University of Nebraska lists most of Maine and New Hampshire as facing "severe drought" and "moderate drought" conditions.

There are precautions that we can take to prevent a fire during times of drought. Some of them are:

DO NOT burn brush, leaves or trash outdoors!

Create a safety zone.

Maintain a 30-foot or greater safety zone around your home that is clear of brush, tall grass and other flammable vegetation. Fire moves more quickly up steep hills, so extend that fire safety zone if your home is situated on a steep slope.

If you're considering planting, use fire resistant species of plants and trees throughout your property and especially within your safety zone.

Maintain your lawn

Keep trees and shrubs pruned around the chimney outlets and stovepipes. Keep your yard mowed, raked and free of brush and dead limbs.

Vehicles and Equipment

Something that we may not think of is "Spark Arresters." These are special mufflers that suppress fire starting sparks on any vehicle or equipment with an internal combustion engine. Use an approved spark arrester on chimneys and
stovepipes to stop the escape of burning cinders.

Let's usher fall in safely, everyone! And keep your eyes peeled for part 2 of Fire Safety during a drought.