| Temperatures
Rising
Temperatures are finally rising in the Lassen-Modoc-Plumas
Unit and with that comes increased fire activity. Spring
brought lots of rain and with that lots of grass and
vegetation that is fuel for fires. Clearing around your
home makes it easier for firefighters to defend your
property in the event of a wildfire. It is important,
however, that when you clear your property - you do
it the right way.
Do your clearance work before 10 a.m. - Not
in the heat of the day, or when the wind is blowing!
Lawn mowers are designed to mow lawns. NEVER use lawn
mowers in dry vegetation. Use a weed trimmer to cut
down dry weeds and grass.
Remove rocks in the area before you begin operating
any equipment. A rock hidden in grass or weeds is
enough to start a fire when struck by a metal blade.
In wildland areas, spark arresters are required on
all portable gasoline powered equipment including
tractors, harvesters, chain saws, weedeaters, mowers,
motorcycles, and All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs).
Keep the exhaust system, spark arresters and mower
in proper working order and free of carbon buildup.
Use the recommended grade of fuel and don’t
top off.
Keep the engine free of oil and dust, and keep the
mower free of flammable materials.
In wildland areas, a permit may be required for grinding
and welding operations, and spark shields may be required
on equipment. Be sure to have 10 feet of clearance,
a 46”round point shovel, and a backpump water-type
fire extinguisher ready to use.
Hot exhaust pipes and mufflers can start fires you
won’t even see, until it’s too late! Don’t
pull off into dry grass or brush.
Keep a cell phone nearby
and call 911 immediately in case of a fire.
The 2010 fire season in Lassen-Modoc-Plumas Unit was
pretty moderate. Let's work together to make this year
just as "fire safe".
Brad Lutts, Lassen-Modoc-Plumas
Unit Chief
Email: brad.lutts@fire.ca.gov
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