Print
Comment
Rate
Protecting your home from wildfires
By Staff/Wick Communications
Due to the dry climate of Arizona, wildfires are a threat year-round. However, the primary wildfire season in Southern Arizona extends from spring into the first part of the monsoon. During the springtime, fires that start in dry fuels may be fanned into substantial wildfires by large scale weather systems which bring strong westerly winds to the area at fairly regular intervals.
During the first part of the monsoon, primarily from mid-June into mid-July, fuels may also be quite dry after being baked by 100-degree daytime temperatures.
As moisture begins to invade the region, thunderstorms develop that produce lightning but very little rainfall. These "dry" lightning strikes can ignite the dry fuels.
Sometimes, strong winds accompany the storms, which cause the fire to spread rapidly. However, in many cases the lightning causes fires to smolder for one or more days before finally growing large enough to be detected.
While we can't stop lightning-caused fires from starting, there are measures we can take to help protect our homes from the direct impacts of a wildfire. Use construction materials that are non-combustible or fire-resistant whenever possible.
Periodically inspect your property, clearing dead wood and dense vegetation at distance of at least 30 feet from your house. Move firewood away from the house or attachments like fences or decks.
Keep plants properly trimmed. Prune all trees so the lowest limbs are six to 10 feet from the ground. Remove leaf clutter, and dead and overhanging branches. Of course, be careful not to create a wildfire. Store and use flammable liquids properly. Dispose of smoking materials carefully. Use caution with burning materials.
For additional safety information, go to weather.gov/tucson or monsoonsafety.org
During the first part of the monsoon, primarily from mid-June into mid-July, fuels may also be quite dry after being baked by 100-degree daytime temperatures.
As moisture begins to invade the region, thunderstorms develop that produce lightning but very little rainfall. These "dry" lightning strikes can ignite the dry fuels.
Sometimes, strong winds accompany the storms, which cause the fire to spread rapidly. However, in many cases the lightning causes fires to smolder for one or more days before finally growing large enough to be detected.
While we can't stop lightning-caused fires from starting, there are measures we can take to help protect our homes from the direct impacts of a wildfire. Use construction materials that are non-combustible or fire-resistant whenever possible.
Periodically inspect your property, clearing dead wood and dense vegetation at distance of at least 30 feet from your house. Move firewood away from the house or attachments like fences or decks.
Keep plants properly trimmed. Prune all trees so the lowest limbs are six to 10 feet from the ground. Remove leaf clutter, and dead and overhanging branches. Of course, be careful not to create a wildfire. Store and use flammable liquids properly. Dispose of smoking materials carefully. Use caution with burning materials.
For additional safety information, go to weather.gov/tucson or monsoonsafety.org
 |
 |
|
| Fresh crew in charge Horseshoe Fire | County budgets for attorney fees tough to predict |
Article Rating
Reader Comments
The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of willcoxrangenews.com.
