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Living on the Edge: Wildland
Fire Safety
By Robert Reek
Fire season is here
again, and I’d like to remind you of the dangers and share some tips.
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Defensible space works!
(Photo courtesy of Robert Reek) |
SLAC itself and the
homes of many of us are in ‘wildland interface areas’—pockets of
development surrounded by grassland, scrub and forest. These areas are
especially prone to devastating, hard to fight, fires. Every year across
the country, fires destroy hundreds of buildings and thousands of acres
of land in these areas.
The first step in
defending against such fires is for each of us to take simple, basic
precautions. Remember, fire safety is our personal responsibility. Fire
stops with us!
Protecting SLAC
Here at SLAC we have
several preventive measures. Our first line of defense is fire-safe
landscaping and weed abatement programs that limit the spread of fire
both on-site and to and from surrounding areas. Another precaution is
making sure the area around welding activity, which can be very
hazardous, is protected from sparks or flame. There are also approved
areas where people can smoke as well as special refuse containers for
smoking materials.
Protecting Your Home
Those of us who live
in or near wildland interface areas can use the following tips:
• Create defensible
space
• Choose
fire-resistant materials
• Maintain your home
and surrounding property
If you have any
questions or concerns related to fire safety, contact Robert Reek, SLAC
Fire Marshal (Ext. 4509) or SLAC Fire Station 7 (Ext. 2776).
For complete tips,
see:
www2.slac.stanford.edu/tip/2003/jun20/wildland.htm
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