The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution acknowledging May 3 - 9, 2009 National Wildfire Awareness Week. Board members and County Fire remind residents to do their part in understanding fire danger by exercising extreme caution around dry, flammable vegetation.

 On January 1, 2005 Senate Bill 1369 increased the minimum clearance of defensible space from 30 feet to100 feet. This means homeowners must provide a defensible space of 100-foot clearance around their homes and property to give firefighters a chance to save it during a wildfire.

Due to the amount of rain this past winter, light flashy fuels will be at their height in no time. This means grasses and weeds will flourish. With warmer weather, these flashy fuels will quickly dry out and cause an extreme fire danger. With fire season upon us, San Bernardino County Fire urges all residents to follow these simple steps to help protect your property: 

• Create a defensible area, firebreaks that divert flames around property, by clearing weeds and dry grass at least 100 feet around your home. Property on sloped areas should be cleared at least 100 feet as well, as wind-fed flames can race up hills and mountainsides quickly.
• Store flammable liquids in approved safety cans away from occupied buildings.
• Keep propane tanks clear of vegetation.
• Keep all combustibles, such as firewood, lawn furniture, picnic tables, etc., away from structures.
• Clean rain gutters regularly to avoid leaf and needle accumulation.
• Clear vegetation and other flammable materials from beneath decks or other wooden structures.
• Remove tree limbs and vegetation that overhang the roof.
• Remove all branches lower than 6 feet.
• Dispose of stove or fireplace ashes and charcoal briquettes after soaking them in a metal pail of water for 24 hours.
• Keep garden hose connected to faucet.
• Review your home escape plan with your family & have a fire drill exercise.
• Ensure address is clearly visible from the street.