Cal Fire urges community members to use caution when mowing
- LAKE COUNTY NEWS REPORTS
- Posted On
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Are you doing the right thing the wrong way?
That’s the question being posted by Cal Fire’s Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit in the wake of recent reports of fires caused by mowing in the heat of the day.
Cal Fire is reminding everyone that dry grasses and dry vegetation is extremely flammable.
Lawn mowers, weed-eaters, chain saws, grinders, welders, tractors and trimmers can all spark a wildland fire.
Firefighters urge residents to do their part, the right way, to keep the community fire safe.
Here’s how to do it the right way.
Mowing
Mow before 10 a.m., but never when it’s windy or excessively hot and dry. Lawn mowers are designed to mow lawns, not weeds or dry grass. Metal blades striking rocks can create sparks and start fires. Use caution.
Spark arresters
In wildland areas, spark arresters are required on all portable gasoline-powered equipment. This includes tractors, harvesters, chainsaws, weed-eaters and mowers.
• Keep the exhaust system, spark arresters and mower in proper working order and free of carbon buildup.
• Use the recommended grade of fuel and don’t top it off.
Individuals who cause fires by mowing can be held personally liable for damage to neighboring properties, and also can face citations and fines, and even jail time in some instances.
For more information about being prepared for wildfire, visit www.ReadyForWildfire.org.