Wildfire threat more evident this year

  Pretty patches of wildflowers and greenery can be seen all around Yuma this spring, but this abundance of vegetation may pose a threat for the area during the upcoming wildfire season.

  When it starts to die off, it has the potential to become like dry kindling during the hot months that are rapidly approaching. Rural/Metro Fire Department's Arizona Operations Web site says that "when a summer storm mixes with dry terrain, wildfires are the result."

  Curt Foster, Rural/Metro fire marshal, said that the hazard for an eventful wildfire season is evident. "It's been very, very dry. We've had next to no rain this year."

   According to the fire department's wildland fire prevention Web site, brush fire season typically starts in mid-April and continues through September, and the fires are fed by dried grasses and flash fuels.

  Foster said one of the most important precautions residents can take is to keep combustibles a minimum of 50 feet from their homes.

  The wildland fire prevention Web site also warns that homeowners should maintain a safe zone for vegetation surrounding their property as well.    "Maintain a 15-ft. zone around your
home; remove perennial grasses and thin overgrown bushes; remove dead branches or branches touching the ground."

  Both live and dead vegetation should be trimmed or removed from the area surrounding property by at least 15 feet.

  Mike Erfert, Yuma Fire Department's public information officer, said that the threat of fires that used to happen along the Colorado River has been mitigated by precautionary actions taken, such as the city's ongoing West and East Wetlands project along the river.

  But a danger remains if dry grass and debris accumulate around residential property. "A fire last year was because of debris and two houses burned," said Erfert.

  This time of year, camping can also be a potential danger situation for Yuma County residents, according to Erfert.

 "Fire should never leave the fire ring and a campfire should never be started with gusting winds," he said.

  The U.S. Forest Service Web site gives some basic guidelines for campers to follow with regard to fire:

-Keep your campfire small. A good bed of coals or a small fire surrounded by rocks gives plenty of heat. Scrape away litter, duff and any burnable material within a 5-ft. diameter to keep the campfire from spreading.

-Never start a fire in strong winds.

-Never attempt to burn aerosol cans; heated cans will explode.

-Flying metal from an explosion can cause an injury.

-Scattering a campfire or burning debris can cause spread fires.

  To put out a campfire, the Web site recommends letting it burn down and then drowning it with water. Stir to check for burning embers underneath and add more water. Stir and add water until all material is cool.

  Erfert also said that it is important to give kids extra education about wildfires. He suggests an online resource for adults and children called Firewise.

  "It's a national interactive program with wildland urban interface containing information and facts," he said.

  The site even has a kids page where they can download coloring books and puzzles, and there are links to other fun, informative ways to learn about wildfires.

  Erfert stressed that the best way to be safe and responsible while camping is to heed the fire safety rules and regulations.

  For additional information, go to: www.azfireinfo.com , www.firewise.org or call Arizona wildland fire restrictions information and closures @ 1-877-864-6985.