California has been burning for several weeks now and the wildfires in Arizona are popping up with greater frequency and intensity as hot weather approaches with dry, windy conditions.

Fountain Hills Rural/Metro Fire Chief Randy Roberts says he is concerned particularly with the conditions in the washes that cross the community.

The vegetation that grew over the winter months is tinder dry and ready to burn, ignited by the smallest spark.

The town continues its effort to maintain its wash property in a safe condition, according to Facilities Supervisor and Environmental Planner Raymond Rees.

“The project for this year was just completed in April,” Rees said.

The town has mitigation work done on just a portion of its wash property each year. Rees said this year they did about 100 acres, roughly one quarter of the wash land owned by the town.

“We have completed a cycle and are about to start over next year,” Rees said.

While the town can take care of its own land, it’s up to homeowners to do their part in protecting their property and neighborhoods.

“Don’t let your home fall victim to a wildland fire,” Roberts said. “Be sure to maintain your property and landscaping in a fire-wise condition by removing the weeds and grasses that dry out and become fuel.”

Homeowners should also remove dead and piled up vegetation and dispose of it properly. Stored firewood should be stacked away from structures, fences or anything else that may be combustible.

“Town Code requires that residents create at least a 30-foot safety zone or firebreak around your home,” Roberts said. “This can be accomplished by limiting the use of flammable plants in landscape design.”

Homeowners can choose fire resistant varieties of vegetation.

There are additional actions people can take to reduce the risk of their home and property becoming fuel for a wildfire:

*Clear leaves and other debris from gutters, eaves, porches and decks. This prevents embers from igniting the home.

*Create a “fire-free” area within five feet of the home, using non-flammable landscaping materials such as rocks, pavers and/or high-moisture content annuals and perennials.

*Remove dead vegetation from under the deck and within 10 feet of the house.

*Remove flammable materials (firewood stacks, propane tanks, dry vegetation) within 30 feet of the house foundation and outbuildings, including garages and sheds. If it can catch fire, don’t let it touch the house, deck or porch.

*If there are trees on the property, prune so the lowest branches are six to 10 feet from the ground.

*Don’t let debris and lawn cuttings linger. Dispose of these items quickly to reduce fuel for fire.

*When planting, choose slow-growing, carefully placed shrubs and trees so the area can be more easily maintained.

*Landscape with native and less-flammable plants. The state forestry agency or county extension office can provide plant information. Firewise landscaping and plants list are also available on the National Fire Protection Association Firewise website.

Preparation

This summer the town’s fire department is operating with two attack trucks for easier and more agile access to wildfire prone areas.

Both of the smaller attack trucks as well as engines are being equipped for the season with brush fire-fighting equipment, according to Roberts.

The crews and equipment are ready to meet the challenge of the season, he said.

Roberts said the homeowners associations that control some of the wash property in town have also been doing a good job taking care of maintenance.

HOAs are more readily able to take advantage of the benefits provided by the Firewise program.

Once qualified for the program, a community or neighborhood can take advantage of grant funds to maintain a fire safe area.

Firewise is a program of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and co-sponsored by the USDA Forest Service, the U.S. Department of the Interior and the National Association of State Foresters.

Firefighters check wildland fire equipment on the attack truck.