Debris Can Fuel Fires

This dry winter season has created an out door environment which is a potential fire trap for homeowners. Dry leaves and grasses, dead trees and discarded construction materials that have accumulated in yards since Ivan are all “fuel for fires.”

The Cayman Islands Fire Service asks homeowners to be alert to the danger of brush fires and to take preventative steps to clean up and maintain their property. “Many people have been focused on repairing the inside of their homes and have neglected the dry debris accumulating in their yards,” said Fire Officer Doorly McLaughlin. “Even homes still awaiting repair need to be checked to remove external fire hazards,” he said.

Tips to Prevent Wild Fires near Your Home

Plants and Trees: Space trees out carefully when planting them. Prune tree limbs so the lowest is between 6’–10’ from the ground and remove dead or overhanging branches.

Remove leaf clutter and dead vegetation from your roof and yard and mow regularly. Dispose of cuttings and debris promptly, according to local regulations.

Fuel for Fires: Remove “ladder fuels” – debris such as dry tree limbs that links grass and tree tops and would allow a fire to “climb” onto your home. Create a “fuel-break” – driveways, gravel walkways or lawns around the home — so fire can’t spread since it has no “fuel” to travel through.

Maintenance: Maintain your irrigation system regularly; refuel garden equipment carefully and maintain it regularly; store and use flammable liquids properly, and check pumps and hoses to be sure they are in good repair.

Storage: Don’t store wood supplies near your house. Don’t keep combustible materials under decks or elevated porches.

Fire-Resistant Materials: Make trellises of non-flammable material and when possible, use construction materials that are fire-resistant or non-combustible. Prevent sparks from entering house by covering vents with wire mesh no larger than 1/8".

Fire Exits: Have at least two ground-level doors as safety exits and keep at least two means of escape (either a door or a window) in each room.

Smokers and Fire: If you smoke, don’t discard smoking substances in areas that contain dry vegetation.

The Fire Service advises property owners to observe regulations regarding vegetative clearances and fire safety equipment requirements. If you have any questions about fire regulations or need advice on how to prevent wild fires, call the service at 949-2276.