The Hudson Valley is now under a red flag Tuesday as a wildfire on the New Jersey-New York border continues to burn, ravaging thousands of acres of land and prompting some residents to voluntarily evacuate their homes.
According to the New York State Department of Conservation, 95% of large wildfires in the state between 1993 and 2017 were caused by human activities. Lightning caused the remaining 5%. A third of fires during this period were caused by accidental or intentional burning of debris, while 16% of fires were caused by embers from unattended campfires and a quarter by embers from cigarettes or construction equipment.
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How to protect your property during wildfire season
NYSDEC offers these tips to prevent the spread of wildfires and protect your home from damage: When remodeling or building a home, use fire-resistant roofing or siding materials.
Build fences from non-combustible materials and make sure they are not attached directly to your home. Remove branches, leaves and twigs from eaves and gutters.
Make sure everything within 30 feet of your home is "clean, tidy and green." Keep the lawn well watered and free of vegetation, dirt and clutter.
Mow the lawn regularly and dispose of the raked leaves.
Keep firewood 30 feet away from your home during fire season.
Store all flammable materials such as gas tanks, paint and spray cans in your garage or basement, not on porches or patios.
Find an outdoor water source with a hose that can reach every area of your property.
Develop an escape plan for your home in case of an emergency.
To report a wildfire, call 911. Visit fema.gov to submit a disaster assistance request or find emergency response centers.
This article originally appeared in Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Wildfire Prevention: How to Stay Safe with Maintenance Tips.
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