NOV . 2016 | 29
FireSmart Farm & Ranch Practices
Well maintained short grass can be a good fire deterrent . closest to the house and outbuildings during the feeding season . That way , when spring comes , you have a larger buffer between the house and the outbuildings and the bales .
It is also important to clean up all the old hay and straw that accumulates in these storage areas from broken bales and bale bottoms , freezing down over the winter . This can be done by hauling it out on the pasture for the livestock to pick through , or it can be spread over the field like you would spread manure . You can also let your livestock graze this leftover hay .
Granaries , Barns , Outbuildings , Unused Land , Open Areas and Dugouts
You can apply any of the vegetation management strategies to granaries , barn and out-buildings to reduce the threat from wildfire . If you cannot easily get into these areas to mow the grass , livestock can make a good job of cleaning up for you .
Remember to manage vegetation in old corrals and unused corners of your yard . Mowing , grazing , weed-eating , treating with herbicide or gravelling are all ways you can manage this vegetation .
Try to manage vegetation around dugouts and other water sources as well . Not only does this reduce the fire hazard but it helps provide ready access for firefighters and their equipment . Keep these areas free of equipment , batteries , scrap iron , lumber , posts and other refuse . These items become a safety hazard for firefighters .
Submitted by : FireSmart Farm and
Acreage Magazine www . clearwatercounty . ca