Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc.

Your wild fire prevention plan

When there is no sign of significant rainfall in the near future and  all indications point to a wild fire threat, then is the time to put into action your fire prevention plan.

Some recommendations to consider in your preparations.

• Make sure the driveway to your home has a 16 foot clearance and create 30 foot wide space around the home for fire trucks to maneuver.
• Trim low branches up to 10 feet on tall trees, remove vines from trees, and keep shrubbery away from pine trees so that a fire on the ground cannot climb into the tree tops.
• Keep combustible items such as woodpiles, compose piles, gas grills, at least 30 feet from your home. Clear away dead vegetation, pine needles and branches.
• Remove flammable plants such as saw palmetto, wax myrtle, etc. They contain resins, oils and waxes that burn readily.
• Residents in urban areas with dry grass and undergrowth would be advised to keep their garden hoses "at the ready" in case of any local fire outbreaks.