Grass Fires
Grass fires can start quickly, spread rapidly and burn very hot, making them especially dangerous. If you see a grass fire, report it immediately by dialing 911. This will help local firefighters get to the scene as quickly as possible.
Help protect your home by doing the following:
- Dispose of cigarettes and matches properly; refrain from tossing them from a vehicle.
- Creating fire breaks to impede the advancement of a fire. These are zones that have been plowed, mowed, or grazed, ideally encircling your residence and other structures.
- Maintaining a well-trimmed lawn, ensuring the upkeep of gardens and pathways, and promptly raking up fallen leaves.
- Trimming the grass surrounding your outbuildings and any tanks or containers potentially holding flammable substances.
- Not burning trash or leaves unless they are in a damp or grass-free area.
- Avoid parking on dry grass, as a vehicle's exhaust can generate temperatures exceeding 538 degrees Celsius (1000 degrees Fahrenheit), and a fire can ignite with as little as 260 degrees Celsius (500 degrees Fahrenheit).
- Educating your children about the risks associated with playing with fire or matches is crucial, as fires can rapidly escalate, posing a serious threat to their safety.
- Maintain a clear three-metre radius around the barbecue, ensuring no vegetation is present. Cover the grill with a fine mesh screen to prevent sparks. Remain attentive to your grill and extinguish ashes by soaking them in water.
- Ensure that your firefighting water tanks are adequately filled. Keep a diesel or gasoline-powered pump readily available, as an electric pump may be ineffective in case of a power outage.
- Storing wood piles away from your home.
- Ensuring that every machine is equipped with a functional spark arrestor.
- Avoid using machines or tools that could generate sparks in dry conditions. If you need to utilize equipment like a grinder, dampen your work area and ensure you have a readily available fire extinguisher.
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Be Prepared for a Disaster
You might want to think about getting ready for a disaster, such as wildfires, for both you and your family.