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Early fire season on; heed precautions
Thelma Grimes/San Pedro Valley News-Sun
With a fire forcing home evacuations in Sierra Vista last week and several brush fires already causing concern in the San Pedro Valley, fire officials are warning residents to brace for the dry season and take extra precautions to protect homes.
The Canelo Fire near Fort Huachuca Army Base burned more than 4,000 acres before it was fully contained over the weekend.
Several weeks ago, Mescal volunteer fire crews worked quickly to protect homes in a brush fire in that area.
Benson Fire Chief Keith Spangler said state fire reports said Cochise County has the right combination of a lot of rain last year, no humidity and triple-digit temperatures to dry out weeds and plants.
Fire officials are always worried about brush fires along the highway, but over the last few summers, they have been equally concerned about homes burning in town.
Spangler said property owners should create what is known as a buffer zone around their homes. The buffer zone is clearing weeds and debris up to 20 feet away from the residence.
Spangler explained that if a fire does break out, the buffer zone gives firefighters some time to get on scene and save the home.
Law enforcement officials have also recommended that residents take other measures, such as preparing a disaster kit.
In case of an emergency evacuation, the disaster kit should include a change of clothing and sturdy shoes, a supply of food and water for at least 24 hours, blankets and sleeping bags, a first-aid kit with basic prescription drugs, extra pairs of glasses, a batter-powered radio, flashlight, extra batteries, credit cards, special items for babies or the elderly, cell phone and food and water containers for pets.
With a fire forcing home evacuations in Sierra Vista last week and several brush fires already causing concern in the San Pedro Valley, fire officials are warning residents to brace for the dry season and take extra precautions to protect homes.
The Canelo Fire near Fort Huachuca Army Base burned more than 4,000 acres before it was fully contained over the weekend.
Several weeks ago, Mescal volunteer fire crews worked quickly to protect homes in a brush fire in that area.
Benson Fire Chief Keith Spangler said state fire reports said Cochise County has the right combination of a lot of rain last year, no humidity and triple-digit temperatures to dry out weeds and plants.
Fire officials are always worried about brush fires along the highway, but over the last few summers, they have been equally concerned about homes burning in town.
Spangler said property owners should create what is known as a buffer zone around their homes. The buffer zone is clearing weeds and debris up to 20 feet away from the residence.
Spangler explained that if a fire does break out, the buffer zone gives firefighters some time to get on scene and save the home.
Law enforcement officials have also recommended that residents take other measures, such as preparing a disaster kit.
In case of an emergency evacuation, the disaster kit should include a change of clothing and sturdy shoes, a supply of food and water for at least 24 hours, blankets and sleeping bags, a first-aid kit with basic prescription drugs, extra pairs of glasses, a batter-powered radio, flashlight, extra batteries, credit cards, special items for babies or the elderly, cell phone and food and water containers for pets.
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