Virginia’s Fall Forest Fire Risk Grows...

Fall Tips:

Fall weather combine with fallen leaves create an increased chance for fire in late October and November in Virginia. Many traditional fall chores can reduce the risk of fire damaging a home. They just take a little time!

• Clear roof and gutters of leaves, pine needles and any branches.
• Stack firewood at least 30 feet from the house.
• Rake dead leaves and clear dead branches from around the house. On flat ground the cleared area should be at least 30 feet in all directions. If you live on a slope more raking will be needed, especially down hill from the house.
• If you have a gas or propane tank, be sure to rake dead leaves, pine needles and small branches away from it. 30 feet in all directions is a good place to start.
• Try composting this year. For great tips, check out the Virginia Tech website:
  http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/426/426-703/426-703.html
• Trim all tree branches if they overhang your house.
• Trim all tree branches from within 20' of all chimneys.
• Put a hose (100' or longer if possible) on a rack and attach it to an outside faucet.

If there is an emergency, these actions can greatly help the fire department.

• Clear the view of your house number so it can be easily seen from the street.
• Remove trees along the driveway to make it 12' wide.
• Prune branches overhanging the driveway to have 14' overhead clearance.