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The Phoenix Fire Department Warns:
Cut It Now… Or It’ll Burn Later!

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The winter and spring rains result in a lot of vegetation around the Valley. But as temperatures climb, the vegetation dries out… and becomes a serious fire risk. Don’t let your home or property fall victim to a brush fire. Be sure to maintain your property and landscaping in a fire-wise condition.

• Keep weeds and grass cut. The Phoenix City Code prohibits grass in excess of six inches and weeds over twelve inches.
• Remove dead and piled up vegetation, and dispose of it properly.
• Properly dispose of trash and debris. Piles of refuse such as old furniture, boxes and pallets are fires waiting to happen. Even old cars can burn!
• Stack firewood away from structures, fences or anything else that may be combustible.

If you live in an outlying or more rural area, consider these additional steps:

• Create at least a 30-ft. safety zone or firebreak around your home.
• Limit the use of flammable plants in landscape design. Choose fire resistant varieties.
• Plant trees and large shrubs in sparse, separate areas.
• Limit the use of trees and shrubs that have large volumes of foliage and branches.
• Limit the use of plants that have shaggy bark or dry leaves that shed annually.
• Limit the use of plants that develop dry or dead undergrowth.
• Limit the placement of plants next to structures, under eaves, overhangs, decks, etc.
• Limit the use of plants placed at the bases of trees or large shrubs.
• Remove ladder fuels (plants that provide a link between the ground and tree limbs).

Maintenance Hints:

• Conduct regular maintenance to reduce the opportunity for brush fires.
• Remove low hanging branches. Also, remove tree limbs around chimneys.
• Keep the roof clear. Sweep gutters and eaves, and wash the roof on a regular basis to get rid of dry needles and leaves.
• Control the height of ground vegetation and mow the grass often.
• Remove dead and accumulated vegetation, and dispose of it properly.
• Provide enough water to keep plants healthy and green. Keep irrigation systems in good working order.
• Top trees only when necessary as topping creates too many lower branches that can increase the fire danger.
• Remove or thin the dead wood and the older trees beyond 100 feet from the house.
• Store and use flammable liquids properly.
• ALWAYS dispose of cigarettes carefully.