Maintain a minimum one hundred foot vegetation clearance around a structure. Rocks and low-growing plants which are well-maintained are suitable for this area. "Well-maintained" means keeping the plants watered and free of dead limbs or dry leaves/needles.

All vegetation will burn under certain circumstances, however, some plants are less flammable than others. Consider fire resistant plants when adding new plantings to your landscape.

Prune tree branches at least six to ten feet from the ground to keep fire from spreading to the upper part of the tree. Pruning cuts should be clean and smooth, avoiding flush cuts and stubs. A well pruned tree heals quickly while poor pruning results in scarring and possible disease. No more than one-third of a tree's live foliage should be removed at one time to avoid stress. Young, vigorous trees can withstand more severe pruning than older, weaker trees.

Remove dead and diseased branches from trees.

When planting new trees, plant far enough apart that the crowns of the trees do not touch one another. 

Remove or mow dry grasses, weeds and underbrush. Mow before 10 am and use a manual mower if possible. If you must use a power mower be sure to keep it well-maintained to minimize overheating, keep an eye out for sparks and keep water and a shovel nearby.

Remove and dispose of brush, cuttings and other landscape waste material. These can be safely composted, or they can be chipped.

Keep areas under decks and porches free of leaves and other flammable debris.

Keep all parts of landscaping well watered, fertilized and free of pests to reduce fire risk.

Avoid placing fences, trellises, and decks in such as way as to create for fire a direct path to a house.

Use driveways, walks and masonry walls to create barriers to the progress of a fire toward a house or other building

Shrubs should be maintained by thinning, maintaining size, and removing excess leaf litter and well-spaced to break up the fire ladder and keep the vegetation density low.

Remove heavy underbrush of dead leaves and branches from vines and ground covers.

A mulch over bare soil can provide many benefits while adding little fire risk

Keep rain gutters clear of dead leaves and other debris.

Store fire wood well away from other combustible materials, and at least 30 feet from the home or other buildings.

Store flammable materials in well-ventilated area away from other flammable objects, including buildings and firewood.

Gasoline or oil soaked rags should be stored in a closed airtight container, be cleaned and dried, or be properly disposed.

Read and follow manufacturers' directions for using and maintaining motorized garden equipment. 

To safely refuel equipment engines: allow engine to cool, refuel in a level area away from vegetation, remove dry grass and leaves from around the engine. Remember gasoline fumes can travel several feet from even a small spill. If the fumes reach a nearby source of ignition, a fire can flash over the surface and back to the spill instantly.

Keep an approved fire extinguisher available at all times and make sure that everyone knows how to safely use it.

In case of fire, notify the local fire department immediately. Any delay can result in tragedy.

For more information:

CalFire web site offers a wealth of information about living safely in the wildlands: http://www.fire.ca.gov/index.php

Please click here for important information about California Defensible Space Regulations:

http://www.fire.ca.gov/cdfbofdb/PDFS/4291finalguidelines2_23_06.pdf

CalFire Homeowners Checklist - How to make your home fire safe (includes disaster preparedness tips).
http://www.fire.ca.gov/communications/downloads/fact_sheets/Checklist.pdf

U. C. Berkeley Fire Center http://firecenter.berkeley.edu/toolkit/

Burn Permits:

Permissive Burn Day Information 
1 866 652-2876 or 530 842-8123

For more information call 
Siskiyou County Air Pollution Control District 
530 841-4029.