[BNAWX] Public Information Statement

[EMWIN Server]

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TNZ005>011-023>034-056>066-075-077>080-093>095-130315-

PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NASHVILLE TN
406 AM CDT Wed Oct 12 2016

...PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Fire weather/fire prevention awareness week continues today with a
look at drought and its effects on wildfires.

Climatic conditions, such as long term drought, play a major role in
the number and intensity of wildfires. During the summer and fall of
2000, 2001 and 2007, middle and eastern Tennessee experienced
prolonged dry conditions. The lack of rainfall, in conjunction with
very warm temperatures, allowed the forest fuels, such as dead
leaves, trees and branches, to become unusually dry.

The dry forest fuels were very susceptible to the potential for
fire, especially when daytime relative humidities were low and wind
speeds were high. The number of wildfires reported during the years
2000, 2001, and 2007 were unusually high with a large number of acres
burned.

It is important to be alert to the increased threat of wildfires
during drought conditions, especially those whose homes are in
forested areas, or those who plan on visiting area forests. The
following are some safety tips to help protect life and property
from wildfires:

1. Check with local fire authorities or public land management
officials to obtain current fire restriction information.

2. For campfires, clear the campfire site down to bare soil. Circle
the fire pit with rocks. Build the campfire away from overhanging
branches, dry grass, pine needles, logs and steep slopes.

3. Never leave a campfire unattended. When putting out a campfire,
drown the fire. Keep a bucket and a shovel nearby.

4. Homes near forest areas should have trees thinned 100 feet from
buildings. Remove lower tree branches, especially those that may
overhang the roof.

5. Rake and clear surface fuels, such as leaves, limbs and pine
needles, away from homes in wooded areas.

For detailed information on protecting your home from wildfires,
visit the firewise website at www.firewise.org.

The next topic during fire weather/fire prevention week will be, red
flag warning - extreme fire weather conditions.

For additional fire weather information, please go to the following
website: www.weather.gov/ohx/fireweather

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