Photo Courtesy of John Odegard
The warm, dry weather in Seattle over the past month has brought with it an increase in dry-weather related fires. Since July 1, the Seattle Fire Department has responded to over 200 dry weather-related fires involving bark, dry grass and shrubs.
Steps to help reduce the chance of such outdoor fires include the following:
- Carelessly discarded cigarettes and other smoking materials can easily start a fire in dry conditions. Douse smoking materials in water before tossing out. Make sure proper cigarette disposal canisters are available in areas where smoking is allowed.
- Remove long grass, weeds or anything that can burn from around buildings. This includes limbs that touch buildings or hang near the roof.
- Remove dead plants or bushes as soon as possible.
- Clear roof and gutters of needles and leaves.