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NEWS RELEASE
Date: June 30, 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Spring Weeds Are a Major Fire Danger
Windsor CA – Weeds are back. This year’s record rainfall has
resulted in extraordinary weed growth. Warm weather will dry these
weeds out quickly, creating a significant fire danger. Under the
right conditions, a grass fire moves very swiftly. Combined with the
fact that there are only two people available to immediately respond
to a vegetation fire—and other necessary resources will have to come
from Larkfield, Healdsburg, and/or Forestville—the potential for
disaster is high.
The Windsor Fire Protection District is urging all property owners
to cut their weeds and tall grasses within the next few days, while
they are still green. This requirement applies to back and front
yards as well as to undeveloped properties. Fire Chief Ron Collier
reminds property owners that weeds and grasses must be cleared to at
least 30 feet from any structure, which includes fences, sheds, and
other outbuildings.
“Until we are able to resolve our staffing shortage, it is essential
property owners be especially vigilant in mitigating potential
dangers,” Chief Collier said.
In the event a property owner is unable to mow before the weeds and
grasses have turned golden or brown, caution must used when mowing.
“Each year we respond to at least one or two fires caused by a spark
caused when someone is mowing at 11:30 in the morning when it’s 85
degrees, and the mower strikes a rock,” says Fire Chief Ron Collier.
“If your weeds are no longer green, you must cut them early in the
morning while temperatures are low and the fuel load is damp from
overnight dew.”
Property owners should also be aware that they are financially
responsible for the costs of fighting a fire that results from their
failure to remove their weeds and high grasses or from their failure
to mow safely. They also are responsible for any damage done to
neighboring homes, fences, and/or other structures.
Property owners with questions or other concerned property owners
may call the Windsor Fire Protection District at (707) 838-1170.
Windsor Fire Protection District is an independent combination
paid/volunteer fire district that serves 30,000 in a 30 square mile
area that includes most of the Town of Windsor and five square miles
of surrounding unincorporated area. Last year WFPD responded to
nearly 1900 calls for service.
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Contact: Ron Collier, Fire Chief
Office: 707/838-1170
FAX: 707/838-1173
E-mail:
rcollier@windsorfpd.com
www.windsorfire.net
NOTE: Photographs are copyrighted by Windsor Fire Protection
District and can only be used with permission.
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