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December 4, 2009

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Safeguards reduce fire risks for residents

Thursday, June 8, 2000 | 12:02 p.m.

Those who live near a fire-prone area can take certain precautions to reduce the potential of a fire spreading to their homes.

First, create a safety zone or fire break by reducing the amount of fuel around the home. The safety zone should be at least 30 feet and can consist of a variety of fire-resistant grasses, plants, flowers and vegetables. If the land is on an incline, the fire break may need to be up to 100 feet because fire can jump down to the property.

Dead and low-hanging branches on trees should be removed and ground vegetation should not be allowed to grow too high. No limbs should hang near the chimney, and all dead limbs above the roof must be removed.

The gutters, eaves and roof should be swept regularly to prevent an accumulation of tinder-dry vegetation during the hot, dry weather of the fire season.

Firewood should be stored away from anything combustible, including the house, a fence or an outbuilding. Also, avoid outdoor incinerators, because they generate wind-blown sparks.

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