Residents urged to make homes fire-safe

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF) would like to remind residents that now is the time to prepare for those dry summer months. In a few short weeks the grass and brush will be dry enough to become an inferno. CDF urges homeowners to follow a few simple fire-safe practices.

• Clean leaves and needles from the roof, eaves and rain gutters.

• Trim tree limbs within 10 feet of the chimney and trim dead limbs hanging over the house and garage.

• Cover the chimney outlet with a spark arrestor (half-inch mesh screen).

These practices are mandated by law, including a mandatory 100-foot clearance of flammable vegetation around structures. “Don’t put homes at risk,” says CDF. “Be fire-safe, not sorry!”