A Severe Drought Watch Has Gripped the Northeastern U.S., Creating "Unprecedented" Conditions for Fire
A severe drought watch with no rain in sight has gripped the Northeastern U.S., creating "unprecedented" conditions for fire, say experts. Due to the driest fall on record, hundreds of brushfires have erupted from Virginia to Maine, including one that burned 2 acres in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park.
Don’t Be the One to Start the Fire
Avoid burning outdoors, including campfires, bonfires, and any other open flame, says the FDNY. If you must grill, stay away from dry brush and keep a fire extinguisher or bucket of water nearby. And be mindful of smoking and dispose of cigarette butts properly.
Regularly Clean Your Property
Regularly cleaning your home and removing dust and debris from the house can go a long way in preventing any ember from entering your home and spreading, says Steve Lockwood, owner of Mountain State Fire Protection. Clean the outside and inside of your windows as well. The dirt, dust, and grime that accumulate on your windows during dry seasons can spark and start a fire.
Use Fire-Retardant Drapes
"I would also recommend removing any flammable drapes from your wall and replacing them with fire-retardant drapes, at least during dry months, fire season," he says. "All it takes is one ember to hit something flammable, and a fire will spread quickly."
Seal Gaps to Keep a Fire Out
"You may not be able to do this if you don’t own the unit you live in, but one of the best ways to protect yourself from a fire is to prevent embers from entering your home," says Lockwood. "Seal gaps in your windows, walls, and doors with fire-resistant caulk. If you can’t do small fixes to the property, you can close these gaps with fire-resistant sheets."
Stay Informed Through Your Condo or Co-op Board
With cities like New York City and Boston at risk of wildfire, many apartment dwellers might feel helpless protecting their property. "The best thing owners can do is to keep everyone informed," says Jessica Lauren, who specializes in rehabbing fire-damaged residential properties. "This requires owners (or the board) to educate residents about fire risks. Many people are unaware of the fire risks and need some basic background to assist in minimizing a fire spreading through a building."
Remove Fuel
"Look at the exterior of your building to locate potential fuel and remove it," says Lauren. "Certain types of shrubs or trees can encourage the spread of fire. Does your building have flammable wood trim? Remove it. Do residents have storage areas in open garages? Flammables in those bins and lockers are a ready source of fuel for fires."
Have a Fire Extinguisher on Hand
"This one is obvious, but make sure you always have a fire extinguisher on hand in your home," says Lockwood. "Check the date of when that extinguisher was last inspected or replaced. They should be replaced every 10 years. You can put all kinds of barriers in place to prevent fires, but if one starts in your home, you need an extinguisher to put it out."
Decluttering Isn’t Just for Aesthetics
You might have seen those "Hoarders" episodes where the hoarder’s home has sustained fire damage from mountains of old newspapers, magazines, and other paraphernalia coming into contact with a heat source. Don’t let that be you. "It’s easy for piles of paper, stacks of boxes, and other combustibles to build up near heat sources, causing a fire hazard," says building restoration service DKI. "A floor littered with clothes, toys, and other clutter can block escape routes as well, making evacuation more difficult in an emergency."
Conclusion
The recent brushfires in the Northeastern U.S. are a stark reminder of the importance of fire safety. By taking simple steps to prevent fires, such as avoiding outdoor burning, cleaning your property regularly, and having a fire extinguisher on hand, you can help keep your home and community safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the most common causes of brushfires?
A: The most common causes of brushfires are human activity, such as arson, accidental ignition from cigarettes or campfires, and electrical malfunctions.
Q: How can I prevent brushfires from spreading?
A: You can prevent brushfires from spreading by creating a firebreak, which is a gap in vegetation that can be used to stop the spread of a fire. You can also use fire-resistant materials to build your home and surrounding structures.
Q: What should I do if I see a brushfire?
A: If you see a brushfire, call 911 immediately and follow the instructions of local authorities. Stay away from the fire and keep a safe distance to avoid being injured or caught in the fire.
Q: How can I prepare my home for a brushfire?
A: You can prepare your home for a brushfire by clearing flammable materials from around your home, installing fire-resistant roofing and siding, and having a fire extinguisher on hand.
