By: Teri Mizuhara, CAL FIRE Amador-El Dorado-Sacramento-Alpine Unit
Camino July 29, 2010 – Recently the Amador-El Dorado-Sacramento-Alpine Unit (AEU) of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) has seen a spike in people causing wildland fires while they are trying to create defensible space around their homes. The primary culprits are gas powered weed eaters and lawn mowers.
"These equipment use fires are the third leading cause of fires in AEU and can quickly threaten lives and homes. Statewide CAL FIRE responds to over 1600 equipment use fires annually. Most importantly every one of these fires is 100% preventable. While we applaud homeowners for trying to do the right thing by creating defensible space, they need to do it the right way" says Unit Chief Bill Holmes. "We strongly encourage people to use gas powered equipment such as weed eaters, lawn mowers, chain saws, etc., BEFORE 10 am in the morning or AFTER 7 pm in the evenings. During the heat of the day when temperatures are on the rise and humidities are dropping, fires can start and move in grass very quickly" adds Chief Holmes. In addition, you could be held criminally or civilly liable for the fire suppression costs associated with the fire.
Keys to staying out of trouble:
- Make sure all your gas powered equipment is in good working order, check that spark arrestors are in tact and free of clogging carbon particles, dust and debris. Always allow equipment to cool down before refilling with gasoline and only refill in an area that is clear of weeds and other flammable material.
- Lawn mowers are designed to cut green grass not dry weeds, use a weed eater to eliminate dry weeds and grass.
- Remove rocks in the area before operating any equipment as a blade coming into contact with a rock can cause a spark which can cause a fire.
- Grinders and welding operations may require a permit and spark shield, check before beginning work. 10 feet of clearance, a 46" shovel, and a back pump fire extinguishing system are also required on the work site.
- In case of a fire, ALWAYS call 9-1-1.
"We want everyone to create defensible space so that their home stands a better chance of surviving an advancing wildfire, but it is crucial that they do it safely" says Chief Holmes. For more information please visit the CAL FIRE website at www.fire.ca.gov or www.ReadyForWildfire.org.
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