People have been jubilantly praising the news of this weekend’s forthcoming “cold front” (scare quotes generously provided by skepticism and desperation) since Labor Day, but the Travis County Fire Marshal’s Office wants to warn Austinites of the danger of those cooler climes.
A fire weather watch is in effect for Travis County this weekend, with particular attention paid to Saturday, when the dry cold front moves into the already-dry area with strong winds.
Bearing in mind that similar conditions – high winds and extreme drought – made the Bastrop wildfires uncontainable for so long just a year ago, the fire marshal issues these suggestions:
· Report even small fires immediately when they are spotted.
· Discard smoking material in an appropriate manner. Do not throw smoking materials from a vehicle, and at home, dispose of smoking material in a non-combustible container.
· Do not park hot vehicles over grassy areas.
· Exercise caution when working with equipment. Be sure the equipment bearings are properly maintained. Avoid shredding and mowing during times of high fire danger.
· Leave ashes or coals from cooking fires in the cooker until they are out cold. Never discard ashes unless they are completely cold.
This article appears in September 7 • 2012.