How to practice WILDFIRE SAFETY from OKC Fire Dept.

Last Updated on February 9, 2024, 12:42 PM | Published: February 9, 2024

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The Oklahoma City Fire Department sends this information as posted below:

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The vegetation is dry and the winds were high, but thankfully wildfires were kept to a minimum today.  So far today, OKCFD responded to five wildfires and thankfully they were small in size and extinguished quickly.  #NOSPARKS

Wildfire Safety

With wildfires, there are two factors to consider. First, the weather plays a huge role in the possibility and the severity of a wildfire. High winds plus high temperatures plus low humidity equals a recipe for disaster, especially when vegetation is dead or dormant. A simple spark is all that is required when weather conditions are such as these. We can do nothing about the weather, but we should remind people to avoid doing anything outdoors that could cause even a small spark during these times. The second factor, however, is very much within human control; the fuel! Homeowners are responsible for ember control by limiting available fuel on their property.

• Start with the home itself. Obviously, fire resistant building materials such as brick or rock are preferable to wood siding. Metal or composite roofs are much more desirable than wood shake shingles. Those with vinyl siding need to understand that the vinyl will quickly melt away if a grass fire reaches it, and this will expose the wood beneath (which will more than likely be dry and in poor repair).   
• Guttering should be kept clean and free of leaves, pine needles, and other combustible items. Gutter guards are relatively inexpensive and easy to install.
• Tree canopies should not be allowed to overhang the home. Branches and limbs should never be in contact with the home.
• Any openings into the structure (soffit vents, gable vents, etc.) should be covered with very fine (no more than 1/16 inch) mesh screening to prevent embers from entering the structure.
• Keep areas under decks and porches clean and free of leaves, trash, and other combustible items. Fine mesh screening should be used to keep embers out of these areas as well.
• Be careful not to plant bushes and shrubbery right next to the house, especially those that are more flammable (typically the evergreens and other oily plants).  Keep flammable plants and mulches at least five feet away from your home’s perimeter. Mulch next to the home is permissible if it is kept wet and irrigated.
• Keep other combustible materials (such as firewood, doghouses, etc.) well away from the home. These should never be placed in contact with the home. Ideally, they should be at least 30 feet away from the home.
• Prune low-hanging limbs 6-10 feet off the ground. 
• Use low-growing, well-pruned, and fire-resistive plants around the home.
• Keep decks and porches clear of fallen leaves.
• Keep grass short and free of leaves 200 feet out from your home. 
• Never drive to a grass fire scene. Keep the area clear for fire apparatus.

Wildfire approaching:

• Call for help!
• Close all entrances, windows, and other openings (doors, garage doors, vents, etc.)
• Have tools and water accessible. Have a shovel, rake, and long water hose available. Fill buckets and other bulk containers with water.
• Dress to protect yourself. Wear cotton/woolen clothing including long pants, long-sleeved shirt, gloves and a handkerchief to protect your face.
• Wet down the roof.
• Turn on the sprinkler system if equipped.
• Turn off residential fuel. If you use natural gas or butane, turn it off at the tank or the meter.
• Prepare the automobiles. Place your vehicles in the garage and close the garage door. If you must evacuate, close the garage door behind you as you leave. 
• If evacuation is necessary, take your family and pets to a safe location. Pay attention to local media outlets or your mobile technology to see if evacuation instructions are being given.
• Evacuate early! If you feel that a wildfire may be approaching your home, it is best to leave as soon as possible. This is the safest thing for you and your family, and it also prevents heavy traffic in areas where fire apparatus are trying to enter to access the fire. 

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