Wildfire and grass fire

Many cities have areas of dry grass and brush on their edges, or bordering wooded areas. With drought, wind, and low humidity, a grass fire moves faster than a person can run. Smoke can affect the entire city even if the fire is far away.

Before

• Obey your county's burn bans and Red Flag Warnings. Do not toss cigarette butts; do not park your car on dry grass (the hot exhaust ignites it).
• Keep the yard clean: no dry leaves, boxes, or firewood against a wood wall.
• Keep N95 masks in your kit for smoke.

During

1. If you are ordered to evacuate, leave immediately. Do not wait to see the flames.
2. If there is smoke but no evacuation order: stay inside, close windows and doors, set the air conditioning to recirculate, and wear an N95 if you go out.
3. If the fire catches you in your car: do not abandon it; park away from vegetation, close windows and vents, get down below the windows, and cover yourself with a wool blanket or jacket; call 911.

After

• Return only with authorization. Ashes can hold embers.
• Clean up ash with gloves and an N95; do not dry-sweep it.