The Vail Fire Department is encouraging residents and homeowners to plan ahead to protect homes from the threat of wildfires.

Fire prevention tips include:

• Thinning and pruning trees and brush and removing trash and debris around the home.
• Cutting grass and weeds within 10 feet of structures, propane tanks and utilities.
• Removing trees growing through porches, decks or roofs.
• Keeping roof and rain gutters clear of pine needles, leaves and debris.
• Removing tree branches that overhang within 15 feet of chimney and roof.
• Stacking firewood uphill at least 30 feet away from home.
• Utilizing non-combustible roofing materials.
• Making sure foundation, eaves and soffit vents have screens.
• Checking chimney spark arrester, which should be a half-inch screen.
• Clearing vegetation within three feet of fire hydrants.
• Making sure you have a garden hose, shovel and fire extinguisher nearby.
• Posting reflective address numbers so they’re visible from streets or roads and ensuring your driveway has adequate width (20 ft.) and height (15 ft.) for clearance of emergency vehicles.
• Maintaining an irrigated greenbelt near your home using grass, flowers, ornamental shrubs, rock gardens or xeroscapes.

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