Central Montana Times

As the 4th of July Holiday is quickly approaching, Great Falls Fire Rescue wants to remind everyone that even though Great Falls has seen a wet spring, fireworks can still cause grass fires. Please survey your property and look for any potential fire hazards. When surveying your property, the following are some things to look for:

• Look around your property and home areas
• Clear any thick grass, heavy brush and weeds that could ignite and spread to other areas
• Create a defensible space around your home
• Clear grass, brush, and weeds from beneath trees
• Remove pine needles from rooftops
• Keep wood piles away from your house Clear debris from under deck areas

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), in 2018 fireworks caused an estimated 19,500 fires. These fires caused five civilian deaths, 46 civilian injuries, and $105 million in direct property damage. From July 1, 2022 to July 5, 2022, GFFR responded to 24 fires caused directly by fireworks, and another 5 that could be liked to fireworks usage. For more information on how to keep your property maintained please see https://greatfallsmt.net/fire/wildland-fire-prevention-program for more information.

The 4th of July is a time to celebrate, let’s make sure it is done safely so that all can enjoy the holiday!

Original source can be found here.