Best Burning Practices

Town residents are reminded to be aware of extreme dry conditions in the spring months that can cause fast spreading brush fires.

The best course of action is to avoid any outdoor burning. If residents outdoor must burn outdoors, DO NOT burn on windy days. Keep all burning piles small and controllable.

ACTION STEPS AROUND YOUR HOME:

CLEAR leaves and other vegetative debris from roofs, gutters, porches and decks. This helps prevent embers from igniting your home.

REMOVE dead vegetation and other items from under your deck or porch, and within 10 feet of the house.

SCREEN in areas below patios and decks with wire mesh to prevent debris and combustible materials from accumulating.

REMOVE flammable materials (wood piles, propane tanks) within 30 feet of your home’s foundation and outbuildings, including garages and sheds. If it can catch fire, don’t let it touch your house, deck or porch.  Wildfire can spread to tree tops.

PRUNE trees so the lowest branches are 6 to 10 feet from the ground.

KEEP your lawn hydrated and maintained. If it is brown, cut it down to reduce fire intensity. Dry grass and shrubs are fuel for wildfire.

DISPOSE Don’t let debris and lawn cuttings linger.  Remove these items quickly to reduce fuel for fire.

INSPECT shingles or roof tiles. Replace or repair the shingles that are loose or missing to prevent ember penetration.