Unusually Dangerous Wildfire Season Requires Extra Precautions

VERGENNES, Vt., May 17, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- May marks the start of wildfire season in the US, and authorities are predicting that 2013 will be a particularly dangerous year.  Drought conditions, high temperatures, and high winds across the West have already put wildfire statistics for the year well above average.

The coming high-hazard months (the remainder of May, June, July, and August) will bring particularly acute fire hazards to most of California, Oregon, Arizona, and New Mexico, and parts of Colorado, Utah, Idaho, Montana, and Virginia.  Those who live in or near these areas should be particularly vigilant about taking precautions against wildfires.

DR Power Equipment carries many of the necessary tools for keeping properties safe from wildfire risk.  One of the most essential things homeowners can do to reduce their risk of brush fires is brush mowing.  Homeowners should create a 'defensible area' of at least 30 feet around their houses, barns, and other structures.   This defensible area should be mowed with a Trimmer/Mower or heavier-duty Field and Brush Mower early in the season and periodically throughout the fire season to keep it free of tall grasses, weeds, and all dry or dead material. 

For larger properties with substantial wooded areas, homeowners should create fire breaks at regular intervals to stop the spread of fire, should one break out.  Fire breaks are bare strips within wooded areas that contain little to no fuel for a fire, causing a spreading fire to remain contained.  The DR TreeChopper is an innovative and fast way of removing trees – perfect for fire breaks.  It is an ATV attachment that removes trees as much as 25 times faster than a chainsaw.  Fire breaks should be at least 10 feet wide and contain no more than 3-inch high grass.  Regular brush mowing will keep them from becoming overgrown and hazardous.

DR® Power Equipment, a division of Country Home Products, Inc., the premiere developer and marketer of professional-grade outdoor equipment for residential use, was founded in 1985 in Charlotte, Vermont.  Today it occupies three facilities and employs 220 people. For more information, visit the web site at www.drpower.com.

PRODUCT PHOTOS AND DEMONSTRATIONS ARE AVAILABLE.  DR® Power Equipment sells products factory-direct and through a network of over 500 dealers; a free catalog can be ordered at 802-877-1200, or obtained online at www.drpower.com.

Contact:
Julia Gilbert
[email protected]
802-877-1201 ext 1118

SOURCE DR Power Equipment