Brush fire prevention tips

- Keep weeds and grass cut. Phoenix City Code prohibits grass in excess of 6 inches and weeds over 12 inches.

- Remove dead and piled up vegetation and dispose of it properly.

- Stack firewood away from structures, fences or anything else that may be combustible.

- Limit the use of flammable plants in landscape design. Choose fire resistant varieties.

- Limit the use of trees and shrubs that have large volumes of foliage and branches.

- Limit the use of plants that develop dry or dead undergrowth.

- Limit the placement of plants next to structures, under eaves, overhangs, decks, etc.

- Conduct regular maintenance to reduce the opportunity for brush fires.

- Remove low-hanging branches and remove tree limbs around chimneys.

- Keep the roof clear. Sweep gutters and eaves, wash the roof on a regular basis to get rid of dry needles and leaves.

- Remove dead and accumulated vegetation and dispose of it properly.

- Always dispose of cigarettes carefully.

Source: Phoenix Fire Department, www.Phoenix.gov.FIRE/brush.html.