See What You Can Do to Eliminate Sparks
Although the most recent Red Flag Red Flag Warning expired on Nov. 14, our region continues to face elevated wildfire risk because of dry vegetation and low humidity. Everyone is urged to do their part to avoid certain outdoor activities that could spark fires, such as using a landscape edger or parking a car in dry brush.
Here is a list of ten things to avoid or undertake with extreme caution. All of these activities have the potential to cause sparks. Even one small spark can quickly lead to a fast-moving wildfire that threatens homes and lives.
AVOID:
- Mowing or trimming grass using power tools, because they can spark on a rock and start a grass fire
- Starting camp fires in forests
- Pulling over a vehicle in brush (If necessary, pull over on paved roads)
- Setting a piece of hot garden equipment in dry brush
- Performing electrical work
- Using outdoor equipment, such as blow torches, grinding and cutting tools
- Outdoor grilling
- Driving off-road vehicles
- Shooting firearms
- Burning plant cuttings.
Here is a list of dos to help minimize fire risk:
- Properly maintain your vehicle to avoid causing fires along roads due to sparks or flammable materials being spit out from the catalytic converter
- Use spark arrestors on portable gasoline powered equipment
- Ensure trailer chains don’t drag on the ground and spark
If you live in the areas where the high winds are forecast to be strongest, monitor the SDG&&E weather page, sdgeweather.com, for real-time updates. Even when winds die down or the Red Flag Warning ends, our region still faces elevated fire danger due to the large amount of dried vegetation – dead fuels – that cover our canyons, mountains, and open space.
Thank you for doing your part to help keep our community safe!