Fire-safety tips protect homeowners

If the recent chilly nights have you thinking about starting your firewood pile, take heed of these suggestions from the California Fire Safe Council and other organizations:

¢ Stack woodpiles at least 30 feet from any structure.

¢ Locate LPG tanks at least 30 feet from any structure; maintain 10 feet of clear space around tanks.

¢ Keep the following tools ready and handy: a round point shovel with a long handle, a rake with a long handle, a ladder tall enough to reach the roof, one or more 5-pound fire extinguishers, at least one bucket, a garbage can full of water with a bailing bucket.

¢ Make sure your number is clearly visible from the road. Use 4- to 6-inch reflective numbers to mark your address.

¢ Locate all fire hydrants in your neighborhood.

¢ Never prune near power lines. Call your local utility company first.

¢ Maintain all plants by regular watering and by removing dead branches, leaves and needles.