Flagler County Provides Residents With Home-Saving Brush Fire Tips

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Flagler County, FL – Flagler County has recently provided residents with tips on how to prevent and protect homes from brush fires.

In response to the recent dry conditions, Flagler County advises that small steps can have a big impact when it comes to saving you home from a brush fire. It is recommended that any flammable material within 30 feet of a home should be removed immediately. Flammable materials could include firewood, propane or gas tanks and dead or dry plants.

“Research and science have proven that taking a couple of simple action steps can reduce the risk to your home and property,” says Don Petito, the Flagler County Fire Rescue Chief. “A fire cannot burn without fuel, so the idea is to clear the area around your house of things that can burn.”

Cleared roofs, eaves, gutters and wooden decks and patios are at a lower risk of burning from brush fires. This means any leaves, debris or patio furniture cushioning should be removed. It recommended that you do not store anything underneath decks and porches.

Using gravel instead of grass or mulch around your home can also help prevent destruction from a brush fire.

“Wood-driven fires, like brush fires, create embers that can be carried quite far,” Joe King, the Deputy Fire Chief. “They seem to find their way to the same nooks and crannies where leaves tend to accumulate, so keep these areas clear of this debris.”

While there is currently no burn ban in place for Flagler county, residents are urged to be careful when dealing with any kind of open flame, fire or burning activity.

“Please be careful with barbecue coals, and don’t toss cigarette butts out of car windows,” says Petito. “You can help us keep everyone in the county safe.”

For more information on how to protect your home, visit www.FlaglerCounty.org/Firewise.

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