A green lawn alone will not protect a home from wildfire, according to Truckee Meadows Fire Protection in an online post.
The agency said while green grass can help, it is only one part of reducing wildfire risk. Trees, shrubs, wood piles, patio furniture, fences and even leaves collecting in gutters can all carry fire to a home.
Creating defensible space around a home gives firefighters a safer area to work and can help slow or stop a wildfire from reaching a house, according to Truckee Meadows Fire Protection in an online post.
The agency encourages homeowners to spend about 15 minutes taking simple steps to reduce wildfire hazards around their property. Those steps include removing dead leaves and pine needles, moving firewood at least 30 feet from the home, trimming branches that hang over the roof or touch the chimney, and keeping driveways and access routes clear for emergency vehicles.
Truckee Meadows Fire Protection said wildfire preparedness is built through small, consistent efforts rather than a single day of work and thanked community members for doing their part to help protect the community.
(Truckee Meadows Fire Protection contributed to this story.)
