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How to protect your home from wildfires

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While wildfire season is here and the hot summer temperatures will continue to dry out desert vegetation and create a serious fire danger in our local area, the Superstition Fire and Medical District wants to remind residents of this annual danger and encourage everyone to assure their home is protected.

Homes and structures that are most at risk are those adjacent to open desert areas, and vegetation tracks that run between homes and neighborhoods.

It is very important for homeowners to assure an adequate clearing around their home which will create a lair of protection against wildfires.

Creating a defensible space can prevent a wildfire from extending into a home, and also give firefighters a better change of saving a home.

Residents should adhere to the following practices to protect their home from a wildfire:

• Remove all weeds and dead ground cover that is within 30 feet of the home.

• Trim shrubs and trees that are that are closer than 10 feet from the home.

• Cut tree limbs that are less than 5 feet in height and clear all ground vegetation from under trees to prevent fire spread.

• Store away furniture cushions, mats, potted plants and other decorations from decks, porches and patios.

• Remove anything stored underneath decks or porches that could burn.

• Move any flammable material at least 30 feet away from the home.

• Clean roofs and gutters of dead leaves and debris that could catch fire from embers.

It is known that the majority of wildfires are human-caused and the Fire District encourages everyone to be particularly safe this season.

Do not burn weeds or utilize any type of open flame in the outdoors.

If you are utilizing an outdoor grill for cooking, exercise the utmost safety and be certain that the grill is positioned in an area free of weeds or other vegetation.

Assistant Chief/Fire Marshal Richard Ochs is Superstition Fire & Medical District’s public information officer. Learn more at sfmd.az.gov.

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