Fuel Smart This Fire Season
Tips to reduce wildfire risk this season, and all year long
Wildfire season is a reminder that preparation matters. In Fairbanks, where dry conditions and wind can quickly change the situation, taking some simple prevention steps can help reduce risk to your home and your family.
At APD, we work with fuel every day, so safety is part of how we operate. Here are some simple ways to keep it in mind at home as well.
Give Your Tank Some Space
If your fuel tank is tucked into weeds or a pile of things you meant to deal with last summer, this is your sign.
The Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection recommends clearing vegetation and combustible materials around fuel storage. It also suggests keeping tanks at least 30 feet from a structure when possible, with 10 feet of clearance around the tank.
In plain English, your tank should not be sitting in the middle of kindling.
A Safer Yard Starts Here
While you’re clearing access to your tank, it is also a good time to give the rest of your yard a quick safety check.
Set up a three-foot nonflammable barrier. A rock garden does the job nicely.
Remove flammable vegetation within 30 feet.
Clear needles and other burnable buildup from roofs, gutters, and decks.
Store firewood at least 30 feet from the house.
Doing Our Part
At APD, we follow all the big-deal regulations like EPA, ADEC, OSHA, and DOT to protect our people, our customers, and our corner of the state. We also maintain safeguards to help prevent spills, respond quickly if something happens, and keep our operations clean and compliant.
That same mindset is why wildfire awareness matters to us.
Staying Ready for the Season
A little cleanup now can save you from a much bigger problem later.
If you have questions about safe fuel storage or want to make sure your setup is ready for wildfire season, give our office a call. We are local, we know Fairbanks, and we are always happy to point you in the right direction.
