Santa Barbara County Fire releases Fire Prevention Guidelines on Equipment Use Safety

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. -- The Santa Barbara County Fire Department and Cal Fire released Guidelines on Equipment Use Safety to prevent vegetation fires.

The release of these guidelines came about after Santa Barabara County Fire Investigators found that a ride-on-lawn mower caused a vegetation fire in Santa Ynez.

“But it’s not only limited to lawn mowing equipment. We have concerns with metal plates on weed wipers as well as chainsaw use" said Santa Barbara County Fire, Scott Safechuck.

Cal fire in San Luis Obispo says in order to keep the community and homes safe, hot machinery should be kept off dry vegetation.

“The extremely hot temperature of the lawnmower or of a metal head on a weed eater that could strike something metal or a rock that’ll also start a fire. You hit a rock with that blade. You hit a screw or anything in that yard. You’re going to start. It’s going to make a spark" said Cal Fire, Toni Davis.

The guidelines include beginning activities before 10 am and checking the weather beforehand.

Do not use machines with heat during the hottest time of the day or during high winds.

Most importantly avoid hot engines under dry grass, large rocks, and flammable materials.

Firefighters remind everyone these tips should be followed all year- not just during fire season.