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By Vicki Schmidt
Signs of spring are all around us. Steam billows from sap houses and an 8-acre wildfire in Trescott Township had the Maine Forest Service announcing Maine’s spring wildfire season is underway. Closer on the home front, most of us are thinking about spring cleaning, both inside and outside our homes.
As we’re enjoying a drier outside, let’s consider for a moment the dryer inside. Did you know clothes dryers are a common cause of home fires, with nearly 16,000 dryer fires a year reported in the United States. The most common cause: a buildup of lint in the filter or vent, which leads to overheating and fire conditions. Clean your dryer filter after every load of laundry, and if you use laundry dryer sheets, fully rinse the filter screen with hot water at least once a month. Another good reminder, and as part of your spring and fall cleanings, be sure to vacuum the dryer vent inside and out.
As long as daylight saving time exists, so will the message to change your smoke, carbon monoxide, and other gas detector batteries when you change your clocks. Follow the manufacture instructions for any cleaning that may be required and always maintain a clean and dust-free environment near your detectors.
The spring equinox is also a good time to start cleaning out those stacks of magazines, bags of bottle returns and other items that have accumulated near hallways and porches. Continue to clear out the clutter by using cardboard as a weed block for your gardens, donating clean usable items to nonprofits, and recycling whenever possible. Remember, any combustible materials will contribute to the growth of a fire, and may block your escape in the event of a home fire.
Fire safe spring cleaning should also include a thorough oven and stove top cleaning, along with any related drip pans, screens and vents. Grease buildup anywhere near a heat source can easily cause a fire. Any grills, including your outdoor grill, also need to be cleaned and fully degreased before those spring cookouts begin. Take time to inspect the propane tank, any connections and hose and make any necessary repairs. And a final safety note, be sure to set your outside grill at least 10 feet away from any combustible material, including awnings and the siding on your house.
Spring is prime wildfire season. Maine’s Forest rangers highly recommend that home and camp owners keep 30 feet of clear “defensible space” between buildings and the forest. Remove any downed trees, twigs and branches that have accumulated over the winter. To help prevent erosion and to maintain good soil health, do not rake until the ground has thawed and warmed up a bit. When you see just a little green is a good time. This “duff” layer will still be damp, and green grass will quickly take hold.
The website Firewise USA has many other ideas for maintaining fire safety outside of your home. The Maine Forest Service also maintains a daily Wildfire Danger Report that citizens can subscribe too. This interactive map is perfect for families who want to learn more about wildland fire safety in Maine.
— Vicki Schmidt is a Maine state fire instructor and volunteers with the Buckfield Fire Department, as well as several regional and state fire training organizations.
