The Bismarck Fire Department urges area residents to be “firewise” during the extremely dry and windy condition that we have been experiencing. Within the city limits there are several areas that are considered wildland interfaces. A wild land interface is any area where structures and other developments meet or intermingle with wildland or vegetative fuels. When the vegetative fuels are extremely dry, they can easily ignite under the current conditions of low humidity, low moisture and high winds.

Citizens are urged to use extreme caution when traveling in and around these areas and to observe the following safety precautions:

• Check the National Weather website www.weather.gov/bis/fire each morning to see what the fire danger is for that day. Reference the ND Rural Fire Danger Guide to see what activities are allowed related to the fire danger.
• Never discard cigarettes out the window of a vehicle. Dispose of cigarettes by using the ashtray in the car or a metal container, or by placing them in a cup of water. • Never park or drive any type of vehicle onto tall grass or vegetation. The hot exhaust pipes and muffler can start fires.
• Make sure your vehicle is not dragging anything such as part of the exhaust system or safety tow chains. The sparks can start a fire.• When mowing or doing yard work, operate equipment before 10 a.m. when the wind is calm and the humidity is higher, not during the heat of the day. Operate lawn mowers on the lawn and use weed trimmers to cut down tall grass and weeds. Remove rocks before mowing to prevent sparks that can cause a fire.
• Keep the exhaust system and spark arresters in proper working order and free of carbon build-up on all portable gas powered equipment. Use the recommended grade of fuel. Keep the engine free of oil and other flammable materials. • Prepare your home for a possible wildland fire by following the Fire Wise Tips found at www.firewise.org.
• Keep a cell phone nearby and call 911 immediately in case of fire.