Dear Martinez Residents;
With the end of the rainy season the summer fire season starts up again. For a second year, Martinez Area CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) will be assisting the Contra Costa Fire Prevention District (CCFPD) surveying high risk fire areas and working with property owners to reduce their fire risk. CCFPD has set June 16th as the deadline for yard clean up. So, what does this mean for you? Here are a few things you can do around your home to help Martinez be a Fire Wise Community.
Clear debris from around your home to create a defensible space
If you have fire wood, be sure the wood is stored away from the house.
Be sure gutters are clean. Especially after all the wind and rain we’ve had this winter, one flying ember on a leaf cluttered gutter could be disastrous.
If you have trees on your property, are the limbs close to the ground that a grass fire could travel up the tree? Recommended limb height is 8-10 feet about the ground.
If you are a renter and have concerns about property clean up – let your landlord know. Landlords also need to be responsible for fire prevention safety.
We live in a beautiful area and need to take responsibility for its safekeeping. If you have a neighbor that needs some help – lend a hand. We all are better off when we have a fire safe community.
For more information contact:
Contra Costa County Fire Protection District Administrative Office:
4005 Port Chicago Highway,
Suite 250
Concord, CA 94520-1180
Phone: (925) 941-3300
E-mail: info@cccfpd.org
I wish everyone a safe and fire free summer season.
– Marta Van Loan
Martinez CERT
