Scott Pringle with the Loveland Fire Rescue Authority offers some common sense tips to help keep you, your family, and our community safe during Red Flag Warning Days. 

What is a Red Flag Warning? 

The National Weather Service (NWS) issues Red Flag Warnings and Fire Weather Watches to let land management agencies know about the onset, or possible onset, of critical weather and fuel moisture conditions that could lead to rapid or dramatic increases in wildfire activity. This could be due to low relative humidity, high winds, dry fuels, or any combination thereof.

Fire officials recommend you maintain a minimum of 100 feet of defensible space throughout the year.  It's not recommended to begin clearing with a mower or weed whacker when it starts getting hot and dry because they can accidentally spark a fire.

Here are some things you can do to keep your property safe: 

  • Remove debris, including dried leaves, firewood stacks, or trash from around your home.  This includes cleaning your gutters.
  • Trim away tree branches that overhang on your home and cut low branches on trees.
  • Dried out bushes or plants should also be pruned or removed.
  • All tree or shrub clippings need to be cleaned up and disposed of in a bin.

Additionally, residents should be alert, and that means staying informed. That means checking fire restrictions from your county website or Fire Authority Facebook pages.  

The majority of small, grass fires are starting because of fireworks. As Scott Pringle says, "leave the fireworks to the professionals."  Also, don't throw cigarettes out of your car window.

If you are headed to the mountains, make sure to know the fire restrictions and if you do build a fire, make sure it is completely out, damp before leaving it, and take every safety precaution.

Above anything else.  It's hot, it's dry, and we live in a beautiful state, when in doubt just use common sense.

 

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