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May 27, 2005
WEED ABATEMENT Officials prepare for eventful fire season
By BREANNE HUBBARD
During a demonstration Monday afternoon at J.G. Johnson Elementary School, Nye County Emergency Services put together a demonstration to teach the public how to safely clear weeds. The U.S. Forestry Service and Pahrump Rentals helped Steve Maison, head of Emergency Services, conduct the demonstration. Pahrump Rentals had on display the different tools to use for weed cutting. The demonstration took place next to J.G. Johnson Elementary School, where a massive field overgrown with weeds sits dangerously next to the school. Maison said if the weeds caught on fire and the flames never made it to the school, the smoke would still pose a serious problem for children. "I don't think the public realizes how big a problem this is," he said. "It's a very dangerous year." Not everyone in the valley is a novice to the high risk of brushfires in town. Maison said he's driven down streets in Pahrump and has noticed homeowners who have cleared weeds. "We say thank you," he said. For those who haven't done so, Maison hopes the demonstration provided good information on how to proceed. As representatives from the various media outlets of Pahrump lined up, Pahrump Rentals Manager Mark Ellis demonstrated how to use the different tools, from weed whackers to a small backhoe. According to Ellis, Pahrump Rentals has been hit hard this month for weed whackers. Usually, he only carries three, but has recently upped his stock to 13 to keep up with demand. During the demo, Ellis was asked what should be done after piles of weeds are made. Maison interjected that weeds should be taken to a dump and not burned. In fact, Maison discouraged burning of any kind. "No burning," he said. The purpose of their public service announcement was to show the public the proper way to get rid of weeds. When disposing of weeds, Maison says to make a pile, but make sure the heap is far enough into the material and away from the fire line being established. Once a fire line has been cleared, the roots need to come up in order to finish it off. According to Larry Benham from the U.S. Forestry Service, the fire line must be as clear as a road. If there are roots still within the line, the fire could jump to the roots and spread. "Nothing but dirt and rocks," he said. The fire line should be roughly twice the width than the tallest weed, Benham said. On Monday, the fire line needed to be 12 feet wide. Benham also recommended keeping weeds 100 feet away from structures in rural areas, and 30 to 40 feet away in tighter communities. Maison encourages people clearing weeds to work a little bit at a time. Take plenty of breaks and drink water. Also, go in the shade to cool down for a bit. Maison said working in the morning or evening are the best times, not the afternoon when it's the hottest. Homeowners should always start with high priority areas, which are next to the house. The perimeter of the property should be last on the list. Maison said he and the rest of his crew want to work in a cooperative effort with other agencies and beat the danger of the fire season. More prevention needs to be done, and Maison is looking in to other ways to make the public aware. One thing is certain: Wetter winters bring plenty of green springtime vegetation, but by summertime that lush greenery is kindling just waiting for a source of ignition. |
