Wild land Fire Awareness: Outdoor activities

Laredo, TX, December 27, 2007:
The Laredo Fire Department urges citizens to take extra precautions this year to avoid the threat of wild fires. High winds and dry conditions can set the stage for potentially severe fires.
An estimated 90 percent of all Texas wildfires are caused by human activity. The greatest causes are fireworks, discarded cigarettes and burning embers are blown into the air. Laredoans can help prevent fire if we:
· Avoid burning trash. This is not permitted by City ordinance
· Do not use fireworks during the holidays
· If you smoke in your car, extinguish cigarettes in vehicle ashtrays. Never toss a cigarette out of a car window, and don’t put cigarettes out on the ground
· Be careful when pulling off a road or driving into a field
· Keep a fire extinguisher and water handy when working outdoors with equipment that gets hot, or involves sparks, such as welding equipment. Water down outdoor work areas in advance if possible.
On behalf of the Laredo Fire department, we want to thank you for your cooperation and we wish you a safe and Happy New Year.

This message is brought to you by the Laredo Fire Department and the Governor’s Division of Emergency Management
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