Bismarck Fire Department tips to prepare for wildfire season

Wildfire season and dry conditions have arrived in the Bismarck area, and there are many homes within Bismarck City limits that are exposed to risk of Wildfire because they are located in Wildland-Urban Interface Areas. The Wildland-Urban Interface is an area where human made structures and infrastructure are in or close to areas prone to Wildfire.

Wildfire doesn't have to burn everything in its path. In fact, cleaning your property of debris and maintaining your landscaping are important first steps to help minimize damage and loss. The work you do today can make a difference.

• Dry grass and shrubs are fuel for wildfire so keep your lawn hydrated and mowed. If it is brown, trim it to reduce fire intensity, and dispose of yard waste quickly to reduce fuel for fire.
• Clear leaves and other debris from gutters, eaves, porches and decks. This prevents embers from igniting your home.
• Remove dead vegetation and other items from under your deck or porch, and from within 10 feet of the house.
• Consider replacing organic mulch with hardscaping, including rock, gravel or stone. If it can catch fire, don't let it touch your house, deck or porch.
• Wildfire can spread to tree tops. Prune trees so the lowest branches are 6 to 10 feet from the ground.
• Keep large fuel sources (firewood stacks, propane tanks) at least 30 feet from your home's foundation and outbuildings, including garages and sheds.
• Cover exterior attic vents with metal wire mesh no larger than 1/8 inch to prevent sparks from entering the home. Enclose under-eave and soffit vents or screens with metal mesh to prevent ember entry.

For more information on how you can prepare your property for Wildfire go to the Bismarck Fire Department's webpage at https://www.bismarcknd.gov/1700/Wildland-and-Urban-Interface.