“Get rid of those weeds around your home or business”
During the winter of 2019, Cathedral City enjoyed above average rainfall. As spring weather approaches the weeds, wildflowers and grasses are growing at an abundant rate.
This vegetation will quickly dry out and present a real fire danger. In accordance to city ordinances, weeds must be removed to prevent a threat to your residence, business, and surrounding properties.
Remember the following:
• Mow, cut or treat weeds to inhibit their growth.
• A vegetation fire can quickly spread to a home or commercial business.
• Do not toss cigarettes out of a car window. Vegetation fires can be caused by the improper disposal of cigarettes/cigars.
• When conducting metal grinding, cutting, or welding operations be cautious of sparks landing in combustible areas. Keep a fire extinguisher and/or garden hose readily available.
• When towing an ATV, boat, construction, landscaping, or recreational trailer do not let the trailer safety chains drag on the ground. The sparks created by the safety chains dragging on the roadway can ignite a fire along the shoulder grasses.
• Never park your vehicle on dry grass or weeds. The catalytic converter can ignite combustibles underneath the vehicle.
• Be alert to weather conditions, especially low humidity and windy conditions. Red flag warnings are issued by the National Weather Service when conditions are severe enough to proliferate fires.
• Maintain defensible space of at least 50 feet of cleared area around your home or business. Vegetation that is growing near your roof eaves, should be trimmed to prevent ladder fuels. “Ladder fuels” are combustible vegetation that will support and extend burning into a structure.
• Call 9-1-1 if you observe smoke or fire along a roadway. You may be the first to report a situation that can be controlled, in the incipient stage.
Contact the Cathedral City Fire Department for additional fire safety informationat (760) 770-8200 or visit us on the web at www.cathedralcityfire.org
