OBSERVE Red Flag Warning & Fire Weather Watches
The National Weather Service issues Red Flag Warnings & Fire Weather Watches to alert fire departments of the onset, or possible onset, of critical weather and dry conditions that could lead to rapid or dramatic increases in wildfire activity.
A Red Flag Warning is issued for weather events which may result in extreme fire behavior that will occur within 24 hours. A Fire Weather Watch is issued when weather conditions could exist in the next 12-72 hours. A Red Flag Warning is the highest alert. During these times extreme caution is urged by all residents, because a simple spark can cause a major wildfire. A Fire Weather Watch is one level below a warning, but fire danger is still high.
The type of weather patterns that can cause a watch or warning include low relative humidity, strong winds, dry fuels, the possibility of dry lightning strikes, or any combination of the above.
Rincon Valley Fire District urges residents to be extremely cautious, especially during periods of high fire danger. It's important all residents and visitors take steps to prevent wildfires. One less spark could mean one less wildfire. See below for tips on preventing wildfires.
Learn more tips and protect your home at WildlandfireRSG.org.
Sign-up for local emergency alerts
http://emergencyalerts.pima.gov/
The Pima County Office of Emergency Management has launched an Emergency Alerts Website to keep the community informed prior to, and during large-scale emergencies. The website serves as a central source for information on any developing events and also provides preparedness resources and relevant contact information. Signing up for alerts is an important step in preparing for evacuation of your area during an emergency. It will also provide the most current updates to your phone or e-mail. If you need assistance signing-up, please call Pima County Office of Emergency Management at (520) 724-9300.
Secure dragging chains from trailers
One of the most common causes of brush fires are sparks from dragging chains. Twisting a chain doesn’t always work and could damage it as it drags on the road. Use a chain-up, cable ties, or other mechanisms to secure them off the ground.
Cars and grass don’t mix
We have many scenic hiking trails and campsites in our area. Don’t park a hot car or other machine in dry grass. In addition to gasoline, the heat and vegetation can create a fire hazard.
Yard Waste or Rubbish Burns
Burn permits must be issued by the county for any open burning. Notify the Fire District of the permit in advance. Avoid highly combustible materials or gasoline, and stage far from nearby structures or vegetation. Never leave a fire unattended and always douse with water or smother completely before leaving. Burning of trash is illegal in Pima County. To apply for a permit, visit Pima County Department of Environmental Quality.
Smoking
Dispose of used matches and butts in a closed container or cup of water, and keep lighters and matches out of reach of children.
Campfires
Only start a campfire in an appropriate fire pit, ringed by stone and clear of vegetation. Never leave unattended and make sure your fire is completely out before you leave, smother with dirt or water.
Create a Defensible Space around your home
A defensible space (pictured) creates a safe zone around a home structure that is free from debris, flammable materials such as shrubs, propane, or wood piles, and can also create a safe space for firefighters defending your home:
Zone 1: 0-30 feet from buildings
The National Weather Service issues Red Flag Warnings & Fire Weather Watches to alert fire departments of the onset, or possible onset, of critical weather and dry conditions that could lead to rapid or dramatic increases in wildfire activity.
A Red Flag Warning is issued for weather events which may result in extreme fire behavior that will occur within 24 hours. A Fire Weather Watch is issued when weather conditions could exist in the next 12-72 hours. A Red Flag Warning is the highest alert. During these times extreme caution is urged by all residents, because a simple spark can cause a major wildfire. A Fire Weather Watch is one level below a warning, but fire danger is still high.
The type of weather patterns that can cause a watch or warning include low relative humidity, strong winds, dry fuels, the possibility of dry lightning strikes, or any combination of the above.
Rincon Valley Fire District urges residents to be extremely cautious, especially during periods of high fire danger. It's important all residents and visitors take steps to prevent wildfires. One less spark could mean one less wildfire. See below for tips on preventing wildfires.
Learn more tips and protect your home at WildlandfireRSG.org.
Sign-up for local emergency alerts
http://emergencyalerts.pima.gov/
The Pima County Office of Emergency Management has launched an Emergency Alerts Website to keep the community informed prior to, and during large-scale emergencies. The website serves as a central source for information on any developing events and also provides preparedness resources and relevant contact information. Signing up for alerts is an important step in preparing for evacuation of your area during an emergency. It will also provide the most current updates to your phone or e-mail. If you need assistance signing-up, please call Pima County Office of Emergency Management at (520) 724-9300.
Secure dragging chains from trailers
One of the most common causes of brush fires are sparks from dragging chains. Twisting a chain doesn’t always work and could damage it as it drags on the road. Use a chain-up, cable ties, or other mechanisms to secure them off the ground.
Cars and grass don’t mix
We have many scenic hiking trails and campsites in our area. Don’t park a hot car or other machine in dry grass. In addition to gasoline, the heat and vegetation can create a fire hazard.
Yard Waste or Rubbish Burns
Burn permits must be issued by the county for any open burning. Notify the Fire District of the permit in advance. Avoid highly combustible materials or gasoline, and stage far from nearby structures or vegetation. Never leave a fire unattended and always douse with water or smother completely before leaving. Burning of trash is illegal in Pima County. To apply for a permit, visit Pima County Department of Environmental Quality.
Smoking
Dispose of used matches and butts in a closed container or cup of water, and keep lighters and matches out of reach of children.
Campfires
Only start a campfire in an appropriate fire pit, ringed by stone and clear of vegetation. Never leave unattended and make sure your fire is completely out before you leave, smother with dirt or water.
Create a Defensible Space around your home
A defensible space (pictured) creates a safe zone around a home structure that is free from debris, flammable materials such as shrubs, propane, or wood piles, and can also create a safe space for firefighters defending your home:
Zone 1: 0-30 feet from buildings
- Trim or prune shrubs/vegetation to a height of 2 feet and provide clear space around each plant of at least 4 feet
- Remove all flammable materials from the ground, under decks, and around propane tanks
- Keep roofs and gutters clear of debris
- Remove all vegetation that would allow flames to climb up vegetation or buildings
- Trim limbs a minimum of 6 feet from ground
- Create islands of shrubs, thinning them enough to walk between them
- On slopes greater than 20% gradient, treatment should be extended an additional 100 feet from structures
- Stack wood piles at least 30 feet from structures
- Never prune near power lines, call your local utility company first
