Here are some things that can be done to improve your home's chances of surviving a wildland fire. Survey your property this weekend and complete these easy tasks.

Inspect your property at least once a year.

Install smoke detectors. Change the batteries every year.

Have fire tools handy, such as shovel, rake and bucket for water.

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Clean pine needles, twigs and leaves regularly from your roof and gutters. Remove tree branches overhanging roofs or decks. Remove trees or branches extending within 10 feet of flue opening of any chimney or stovepipe. Clean chimneys and stovepipes regularly. Equip each one with a wire mesh spark arrester.

Clear all trash and debris, or any other combustible materials, from under raised decks, porches or foundations. Store firewood at least thirty feet from your house. Clear a 15 foot area around LPG tanks and gas barbecue grills. Keep a garden hose connected to outlet/faucet, especially during fire season. Enclose the opening under wood decks with fire resistant material, such as non-flamable siding, stone or brick.

Remove all dead tree limbs, dry grass and brush within 30 feet of the house.

Remove any vines from the walls of the house.

Provide at least one 10 pound fire extinguisher in the home. Be sure it is easily accessable.

Mow grass to 2 inches and keep watered: fire moves quickly through dry grass and weeds.

Post your house number in reflective numerals so it is clearly visible from the road.

Inspect power lines that cross your property. Ask the utility company to remove any tree

limbs that are within 15 feet of the lines.

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For more information, contact:

• Bryan Anderson (work) 307-234-6116
• Jack Walker (home) 307-577-8103 (work) 307-261-4842
• Sam Weaver

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Updated August 20, 2002