Create defensible space around your home, but never mow after 10 a.m. â you could make things much, much worse.
That was one of the practical tips offered at a virtual emergency preparedness town hall meeting held May 19 by the City of St. Helena.
With fire season starting earlier and ending later than ever, due largely to climate change, itâs imperative for St. Helenans to mow their weeds down to no more than 4 inches tall by the June 1 weed abatement deadline, said Fire Chief John Sorensen.
However, donât mow after 10 a.m., he said, because a spark from a blade striking a rock could start a fire during low humidity. In fact, thatâs exactly what started a quarter-acre fire in Deer Park a few hours before the meeting, Sorensen said.