SPOKANE, Wash. — While we are still in winter months, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and WSU Master Gardeners in Spokane are hoping to give the community ways to fire-proof their yard.
Even though it seems early, now is the time to prepare your yards for fire season. And there are a couple ways that DNR and master gardeners recommend.
First thing to avoid is having any trees with branches hanging over your yard. You don’t want anything that could catch fire or fall above your roof. They recommend to regularly trim the branches to make sure your home is safe.
Also, another good way to to keep your lawn safe is by using rock instead of bark as a mulch. This would prevent fire from spreading if it did get to your lawn.
As we approach the spring, leaves will be appearing on trees and plants will be blooming. It is smart to make sure your yard is clear of debris, any dead material around your home could act as fuel during fire season.
Tim Kohlhauff, with WSU Master Gardeners, says “it’s never too early to start thinking about it. Most of us think about it when we hear about fires in the news. It takes a certain amount of time so now is the time to do it.”
Another big thing to keep in mind is that if you have bushed in front of you home, make sure to keep them short. If a fire was to start, this would prevent a huge flame being created next to your home.
For more information about how to fireproof you yard ahead of fire season, CLICK HERE.
Here are the key takeaways:
Avoid trees hanging above your homeUse rock instead of bark as mulchBeware of evergreens or plants that leave a lot of debrisKeep bushes near your home short
For a list of fire resistant plants in eastern Washington, visit the WSU Master Gardeners website.
