SRV Fire Department Issues Warning: 'High Fire Danger Due to Drought'

California is experiencing an elevated fire conditions due to drought.  

San Ramon Valley Firefighters would like to remind residents that creating and maintaining defensible space around their homes is critical.

Firefighters urge property owners to not delay in preparing their family and home for wildfire. Take the following actions now:

• Maintain 100 feet of defensible space around all structures.
• Properties over an acre may require fuel breaks around the perimeter.
• Clear all needles and leaves from roofs, eaves and rain gutters.
• Limb up trees six feet from the ground.
• Remove branches away from roofs and 10 feet from chimneys.
• Keep wood piles and other stored flammable materials at least 30 feet from your home.

When doing maintenance on your property to prepare it for wildfire keep the following tips in mind:

• Check the weather before starting any weed abatement project. If the temperature is high, winds are strong or humidity is low, choose another day. 
• Never attempt an abatement project during a red flag warning day.
• If possible wet the area you are going to abate prior to cutting the weeds.
• Always mow or cut weeds before 10 a.m. when moisture levels are highest.
• Always use tools that are made for cutting weeds; lawn mowers are for lawns not tall dry grass.
• Insure you have a garden hose, large container of water, or a fire extinguisher with you while you are cutting dry grass or weeds. 
• If a fire should start from any abatement efforts, always contact the Fire District, even if you have put the fire out.  Firefighters would like to insure the fire is completely extinguished and will not reignite later in the day or overnight.  We are always here to help!

If wildfire occurs in your neighborhood:

• Don’t wait to be told to evacuate. Authorities may not have enough time to order an evacuation.  If you feel threatened, leave on your own initiative.
•  Obey all evacuation orders.
• Drive calmly with your headlights on for visibility.
• Do not block the access roadway for fire engines and emergency personnel.

Fire Prevention staff will be educating residents and evaluating properties to make sure they are in compliance with Fire District standards beginning June 2. For more information and to view the District’s Minimum Abatement Standards, visit our website at www.firedepartment.org/abatement.