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June - September
The forests have
greened-up by now and the thick forest canopy limits
the amount of sunlight and wind reaching the forest
floor. This along with the ground vegetation
being green greatly reduces the risk of wildfire
during the summer months and even well into the
fall. The only way wildfire concerns may
return is if we experience a hot dry summer.
This can produce a renewed risk of wildfire as some
vegetation will enter a dormant state to preserve
moisture. and even more worrisome, the risk of a
wildfire burning underground. However, so long
as regular rains continue to soak the ground the
danger of this occurring is minimal at most.
So what should
we be doing at this time of year? Now is the
time to work on the big projects that will make your
home more Firewise. Consider things like new
Class A Roofing which is resistant to firebrands,
enclosing under decks and porches with lattice and
wire mesh with 1/4" or smaller openings; this will
keep leaves from accumulating in these hard to reach
areas while also keeping firebrands out.
Landscaping projects may also be yet another way to
make your home safer from and approaching wildfire.
There are many other ways to make your home more
Firewise. For more information, visit our
Firewise Page.
March - May
March, April, and
May are the months when Wildland Fire Season comes
to Pennsylvania. This is because as a rule,
March is the month when the winter snow pack melts
away exposing the forest floor. The brown
cured dead remnants of the prior year's vegetation
is now exposed the the strengthening springtime sun
and brisk spring winds with no canopy (leaves on
trees) for protection. It can rain one day or
even overnight and by the afternoon after the rain
has ended, the tree litter and undergrowth can be
ready to burn.
Consider
alternatives to burning such as composting,
mulching, or even creating brush piles for wildlife.
To learn more about alternative methods to dispose
of your yard debris visit our "Learn
Not 2 Burn" page.
If you chose
to burn yard debris, use a reliable means of
containment such as a
burn barrel with a screen to ensure your fire
stays in its place. Never burn on dry windy
days. Keep a good water supply on hand
(preferably a charged garden hose). Never
leave any fire unattended even a fire in containment
a single gust of wind is all it takes to blow embers
into the adjacent woods. Clear the area around
your fire of anything that can burn.
January - March
Now is the time
to prepare for Spring Fire Season. This
statement has different meanings for different
people. For Forest Fire Wardens, now is the
time to assess your fire tool cache and PPE and
determine what if anything needs to be repaired
and/or replaced then get together with your local
Forest Fire Specialist Supervisor or Fire Forester
and get what you need to ensure your crew can make
an aggressive, but more importantly, safe attack on
each and every fire this Spring.
For
homeowners, now is the time to begin assessing what
projects will need to be accomplished around your
house to make it Firewise. Are there leaves on
your roof, do your rain gutters need to be cleaned,
or are there tree branches that overhang your roof?
These and many other things should be looked at and,
when weather permits, corrected as needed to ensure
your home and family are safe from an approaching
wildfire.
Download
the "Preparing Your Home For Wildland Fire
Season" checklist here.
This interactive learning tool will help you learn
how to prepare for Wildland Fire Season.
Learn more at the WFFWA
Firewise Page. |
