4 minute read
Environment
Only You Can Help
With more fires than ever, here’s what we can do
At the start of the new year, it has been difficult to turn away from the devastation taking place in Los Angeles. Due to multiple unfortunate circumstances, they are shaping up to be some of the most destructive fires in the city’s history. CT last year too had several brush fires, leading to the death of a firefighter. While new information comes to light about the cause of the fires, some are caused through human involvement. But that doesn’t mean we are helpless in the fight against wildfires, and there are some easy ways to protect the environment and ultimately, our lives.
To start, as of early January, Connecticut is experiencing drought conditions that can be the underlying cause of fires burning out of control. That makes it extremely important to conserve water where possible. Out in Los Angeles, in extraordinary conditions, water systems had been used so heavily that pumps no longer worked to get water to fire hydrants, leading California Governor Gavin Newsom to investigate what happened.
Danbury announced that due to high demands on the city’s water system over the summer, they were going to be enforcing a watering schedule for lawns. During the off months, recommendations from the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection include turning off water while shaving or brushing teeth, taking short showers, filling up the washing machine completely rather than more small loads, repairing leaky faucets and toilets, and washing fruits and vegetables in a bowl of water rather than running water. These small changes can make a huge difference on how much they tax a local water system.
The state also offers some tips on forest fire prevention, stating that “the majority of wildfires in Connecticut are human-caused by improper burning of debris, arson, campfires, discarded wood ashes, and equipment.” View the sidebar for more tips on preventing fires. What remains true is that in Connecticut, conditions remain just right for things to go wrong. While it might not reach the levels of catastrophe that we are seeing in California, it does not mean that we should not protect ourselves from wildfires here in Connecticut. As we saw last year, even small brush fires can have deadly consequences.
The DEEP’s Forest Fire Control Office urges all who enjoy the use of Connecticut’s parks, forests and open spaces, to use fires with caution and heed the following recommendations especially during forest fire season:
Obey local laws regarding open fires, including campfires.
Keep all flammable objects away from fire. Scrape away leaves, twigs, and grass within a 10-foot diameter circle from fire.
Have firefighting tools nearby and handy.
Never leave a fire unattended.
Carefully dispose of hot charcoal.
Drown all fires.
Carefully extinguish smoking materials.
For Connecticut homeowners, the following steps are suggested to protect your family members and home:
Make a fire safe zone around your house. Clean flammable vegetation and debris from at least 30 feet around the house and any outbuildings.
Prune away the lower limbs of evergreens that are within the fire safe zone. Evergreens catch fire easily during dry periods and burn quickly.
Remove any limbs which overhang the roof or chimney.
Regularly remove leaves and needles from gutters.
Do not store firewood in the fire safe zone.
Use fire resistant roofing materials.
Make sure firefighters can find and access your home.
Mark your house and roads clearly, and prune away limbs and trees along your driveway which do not allow fire truck access.
Have an escape plan-- and practice it.
Follow state and local open burning laws.
Stay with outside fires until they are completely safe and dead out.
Dispose of wood ashes in a metal bucket, soaking them with water before dumping them.
