From the Ponderosa Property Owners Association (PPOA) Fire Brigade Leader:

With the Summer in full swing and the daytime temperatures reaching record highs, we need to ensure we are doing all we can to protect our properties from the threat of fire. Cleaning brush and downed wood within 100 feet from your home is a minimum standard that has been established and is followed by most of the residents on the mountain.

Clearing downed wood from the base of your trees and removing dead low hanging branches can also help prevent fire from climbing up into the trees (known as ladder effect) if a fire should occur. Of course you also want to be sure to clear any potential fuels from around your propane tank and out buildings. Maintaining a fire safe perimeter around your home, may be the single most important thing you can do in order to keep your home and property as safe as possible in the event of a fire.

Always use a fire ring with a live water hose when burning down wood for disposal. Always be sure you first check the County burn number : 1-877-429-2876 ext 7 (Tulare County) to ensure it is a legal burn day, as regulated by the local fire jurisdiction. Never burn on windy days, as the wind can carry hot embers away from your fire rings and enclosures and cause a wild fire.

There are special fog nozzles that fit your standard garden hose that can be purchased on line. Simply type into your computer the words “fog nozzles for garden hoses” and you will find many different manufacturers of these devices. They are not expensive and can also be found in many garden and hardware stores.

In summary, it is important to do all we can to eliminate fire hazards and sources of fuel that feed a fire in the unfortunate event a fire occurs in our mountain community. If you are not up to the task, due to physical or time restrictions, you can always hire local professionals to clear your lot and haul away the debris. Let’s all do what we can to keep our beautiful mountain community safe from the threat of fire. we owe it to ourselves as well as our neighbors.

Please also consider participating in our Fire Brigade Training.  Future dates are here.

Dana Stewart
Fire Brigade