Fire Safety Tips for Rural Residents

• Create a defensible space of at least 30 feet around your house and outbuildings; closely mow lawns and trees should be pruned and spaced widely apart.
   
• Establish fuel breaks along roadways and between buildings and fields or woodlands.
   
• Keep mufflers and spark arresters on agricultural equipment in proper working order and watch out for rocks and metal when bush hogging or mowing.
   

• Monitor hay-baling operations closely, dry hay can ignite within the baler.
   

• Watch out for sparks when using welding equipment to build fences or repair equipment.
   

• Avoid driving or parking vehicles in grassy areas where tall, dry grass comes into contact with hot pollution control equipment under our vehicle.
   
• Postpone outdoor burning until your area greens up, check with local fire department to determine if any bans on outdoor burning exist.
   
• When debris burning is allowed, establish wide control lines down to bare mineral soil prior to lighting your fire. Burn trash in a burn barrel or other fire-safe receptacle covered with a wire mesh or gird that will help contain burning debris.
   
• Stay with your fire until it is out.