The Practical Homeowner - The Threat of Wildfires
Posted by David Zadareky on Saturday, April 23rd, 2011 at 7:50am.#share-this#
Wildfire Prevention and Preparedness
The threat of wildfires in rural and urban centers is very real, and particularly high at this time of year. Know how to prevent wildfires from starting in your own backyard.
By Torquil Dewar
Learn and teach safe outside fire practices: when building a fire outside, make sure you are far away from nearby trees or bushes, and always have water or a fire extinguisher nearby. You must be able to extinguish the fire quickly and completely. If you plan on using a fire-pit or building a campfire in your garden, it's advisable to have a professional set it up. It should be far from trees or overhanging roof-lines, and preferably surrounded by a non-flammable material like gravel or dirt-instead of grass.
Before you light the fire, check wind direction. Wildfires are spread by wind, and can go from a small burn to an out of control inferno within minutes. Make sure your garden hose is connected and nearby in case you do need to put the fire out quickly. Do not allow children to start, play with or near the fire under any circumstances.
When you are finished using the fire, make sure it is properly extinguished and cooled before leaving it unattended. Any wood should be burned down to ash and small pieces. Spread the remaining stick and ash evenly, then pour water over the embers form side to side and up and down the fire pit. Stand so that the water is being poured from several feet above the fire - this will help you avoid burning yourself with steam or jumping embers. Once the fire has stopped sizzling and smoking, make sure all larger pieces of wood and ember are completely soaked through, then use a shovel to mix the ashes and wood, and add more water to make sure there are no stray burning pieces. Everything should be cool to the touch before you leave.
Resources:
How to Safely Put Out a Campfire
How to Safely Put Out a Fire-Pit Fire
The Best Ways to Extinguish a Fire
Author info: Torquil Dewar is the owner/operator of October Custom Publishing, LLC, based in Austin, Texas.
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