29 • LAKECASTER • MAY 2011
Being Fire Wise
By Robert Baker, TPWD
During this time of extreme fifire
re danger there are stories of
wildfires burning all over Texas. Some people are wondering what
they can do to protect themselves and their property. There are
some very important things that can be done to accomplish this.
The Texas Forest Service has a “fire Wise” program that outlines
much of this information. In this article I will break it down
into 2 sections which include your burning activities and those
pertaining to your property.
First thing before any outdoor burning (trash, brush, leaves,
etc.) is done a person should check and see if there is a county
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burn ban in effect. This can be done at the following web site www.
tfsfrp.tamu.edu/wildfires/decban.png . At the time when I wrote
this article (Mid April) burn bans were in effect in Jasper, Sabine,
San Augustine, Newton, Tyler, Angelina, and Shelby Counties to
name some around the lakes area.
When it is legal to burn there are some basic things that will
help to keep fires from getting out of control. Many fires start as
trash or brush fires.
• Clear the ground of anything combustible for a large area
around the burn area (this can include things such as grass,
limbs, leaves, and other debris).
• Do not leave your fire unattended.
• Have hand tools and a water hose close by and ready to go.
• When burning trash use a barrel with a mesh cover to keep
embers from leaving the barrel.
• Postpone burning until vegetation around the burn area has
“greened up”.
When protecting your house and property from fire, the
following tips should be utilized.
• Create defensible space (area that does not have combustible
fuels) around all structures. At least 30 feet is preferable.
• Establish fire breaks around the boundary of your property.
• Clear roof regularly to remove buildup of leaves and other
debris.
• Ensure that emergency vehicles can access your property.
• Place connected garden hoses on all sides of your house.
• Place phone numbers for the fire department and other
emergency agencies near the phone.
• Make sure that family members know emergency exits from
your home and neighborhood
• Do not stack combustibles such as fire wood, lumber,
wooden picnic tables etc. against any structure.
• Place LPG tanks far enough away from structures so that
valves can be shut off in the event of fire and maintain clear
areas around the tank.
Using these simple tips and common sense will make a person
“Fire Wise”. During these times of extreme fire danger this can
make the difference in coming home to a home or a smoldering
pile of coals. For more information contact your local Texas Forest
Service office www.texasforestservice.tamu.edu or Texas Parks and
Wildlife Department www.tpwd.state.tx.us.