Wildfire Awareness

4/26/2018 (Permalink)

Photo of a wildfire from the Wisconsin DNR

As Smokey Bear says, ‘only you can prevent wildfires.’

And, according to the Wisconsin DNR, spring is the riskiest time of year for wildfires across the state. Summer is a close second in that department.

The DNR says spring is especially dangerous once the snow melts, because even a few days without rain can lead to dry grasses, pine needles, and leaves. Combine those dry fuels with lower humidity, warmer temperatures and blustery winds and you have conditions that can easily create fast moving wildfires.

What Smokey says is certainly true too, because, according to the DNR, 98% of wildfires in Wisconsin are caused by people.

Here are some of the most common causes:

• Burning debris
• Using equipment and vehicles like lawnmowers and ATVs
• Campfires
• Fireworks
• Railroads
• Smoking
• Power lines
• Arson

There are some precautions you, personally, can take to prevent these fires:

• Have water on hand any time you burn or build a campfire.
• Fully put out a burn or campfire by drowning it with water, stirring it, drowning it again and feeling the area with the back of your hand to ensure it’s no longer warm. If it is warm, drown and stir it again!
• Do not use equipment like lawnmowers on especially dry days as they can spark, leading to fires.
• If you see smoke along the railroad tracks, call 911 and report it.
• Do not throw lit cigarettes away outside.

Now, depending on where you live and play, your home or other property could be at risk from wildfires. The DNR says your property is especially vulnerable if it’s in a rural or wooded area surrounded by tall grasses or trees like pines and oaks.

The National Fire Protection Association has named May 5^th, 2018 Wildfire Community Preparedness Day. So, now is a good time to know the risk at your own property and take some precautions.

The DNR recommends:

• Rake leaves away from your house and from under your deck.
• Remove leaves and pine needles from your gutters.
• Clear a five-foot zone around your building of any flammable materials.
• Move firewood at least 30 feet from your home.

If you see a Smokey Bear sign in your community, take note of what it says. If Smokey says there’s a risk for fire danger, believe him and take precautions.

And if a wildfire should ever affect your Green Bay area property, SERVPRO of West Brown County is always here for you. We can help clean, restore and rebuild following any damage. Just pick up the phone and call us any time, day or night at 920-434-8224.