Farm and ranch families and citizens living in rural areas can help protect their property during potentially severe wildfire seasons by taking precautions before fires break out. Fire experts advise keeping grass mowed within 30 feet of your home. Minimize shrubbery near your home and prune lower branches of trees to help prevent surface fires from spreading into tree crowns.

Make sure the areas beneath utility lines are clear of brush, tall grass and trees to reduce the risk of losing utility services. Make sure driveways and roads onto your property are passable in all types of weather, and wide enough to allow access by heavy fire trucks. Other tips include:

* Clear vegetation between buildings and from nearby fields or woodlands to created a firebreak to stop, or to help restrict, the spread of a wildfire. Clear areas and create firebreaks along roadways to prevent roadside fires from spreading onto your property.

* Keep mufflers and spark arresters on agricultural equipment in proper working order.

* Monitor hay-baling operations closely. Check for hot bearings or hay caught in rollers. Keep a fire extinguisher handy.

* Watch for sparks when using welding equipment. Remove vegetation from the work area or wet down vegetation prior and during welding operations. Keep water handy, and use a spotter to watch for sparks.

* Avoid driving or parking vehicles in grassy areas where tall, dry grass can come in contact with hot pollution control equipment under your vehicle.

* Postpone outdoor burning until vegetation in your area becomes green. Check with your local fire department or Sheriff’s office to determine if all restrictions on outdoor burning have been lifted.

WILDFIRE AWARENESS: OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

An estimated 90 percent of all Texas wildfires are caused by human activity. High winds and dry conditions can set the stage for potentially severe fires. The greatest single cause is when burning debris is not properly contained and sparks or burning trash blow into the air. Texans can help prevent fires if they:

* Be careful when pulling off a road or driving into a field. Hot catalytic converters can ignite vegetation.

* Avoid burning trash. Even a barrel covered with a screen can allow a spark to escape, igniting nearby vegetation.

* Do not use fireworks during holidays.

* If you smoke in your car, extinguish cigarettes in vehicle ashtrays.

Never toss a cigarette out of a car window, and don’t put cigarettes out on the ground.

* Keep a fire extinguisher and water handy when working outdoors with equipment that gets hot, or involves sparks, such as welding equipment. Water down outdoor work areas in advance if possible.

WILDFIRE AWARENESS: PREPAREDNESS AND EVACUATIONS

Wildfires pose a threat throughout Texas, especially when dry weather conditions combine with high winds and extreme temperatures. Whether you live near open grassland, in a suburban area on the edge of town or in a forested area, fire can threaten your home.

If advised to evacuate, do so immediately. Choose a route away from the fire hazard and be alert to changes in the speed and direction of fire and smoke.