Quick tips for homeowners on how to reduce risk as wildfires threaten parts of the Northwest.
With hot, dry conditions across much of the Northwest combined with the Fourth of July weekend, fire danger is high. Here are some tips on how to make your home less vulnerable to fire:
• Don’t use fireworks, even if they are approved in your area.
• Clear any buildup of pine needles, leaves and other flammable materials from your roof, gutters, porch and under your deck.
• Trim larger trees’ limbs to heights of at least 10 feet. Make sure there is about 5 feet between branches of other large trees.
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• Weed-whack or mow long grass around your home. Ideally, you want to have at least 30 feet of short, watered lawn around your home.
• Move wood piles more than 30 feet from your home.
• Remove propane tanks from within 30 feet of your home. In a wildfire, they can vent and shoot flame vertically.
• Install visible house numbers on your home, driveway and street.
• Repair shingles, tiles or other roofing material.
• Use metal mesh (⅛ inch is good) to prevent embers from going into vents and eaves.
• Know your family’s emergency plan if a wildfire comes quickly.