Crossville, Tennessee

... 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... can play a major
role in the number and intensity of wildfires. The lack of
rainfall... in conjunction with very warm temperatures... allows
Forrest fuels such as dead leaves... trees... and branches to become
unusually dry.

It is important to be alert to the increased threat of wildfires
during drought conditions... especially those whose homes are in a
forested area 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. Clear campfire sites down to bare soil, Circle the fire pit with
   rocks, and 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 of water and shovel nearby.

4. Homes near forested 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.Srh.NOAA.Gov/ohx/firewx.Htm.