Senator Bill Dodd: Are you ready for the next wildfire?

With wildfire season in full swing, it is essential to create a defensible space around your home to keep your family and property safe. A buffer that is free of grass, trees and shrubs will prevent fires from spreading. It also will help protect firefighters as they defend your home.

“Taking a few defensive measures can make the difference losing your home and surviving the next wildfire,” said Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa. “It certainly proves the old maxim – an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

To keep you safe, Cal Fire requires you to set up two zones extending 100 feet around the perimeter of your dwelling:

Zone 1 extends 30 feet out from buildings, structures and decks. In this zone you must remove all dead vegetation, including pine needles and dry material on your roof and in rain gutters. Tree branches should be trimmed so they remain a minimum of 10 feet from each other. Remove branches that hang over your roof. Relocate wood piles to the second zone.

Zone 2, which extends 100 feet out from buildings and decks, should have annual grasses mowed to a maximum of 4 inches. Other preparations include maintaining a distance between shrubs and trees and removing fallen needles, twigs and leaves.

For more tips on fire prevention and building a defensible space, go to http://www.readyforwildfire.org/

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