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Wildfire Prevention Tips

Lawn & Power Tool Safety

Learn how to avoid starting a wildfire with your lawnmowers and power tools

Sparks from lawnmowers and power equipment can spark a wildfire. Don’t use these tools on hot, dry days, and check your equipment regularly.

Lawnmower

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Use lawn and power tools during high-risk conditions can cause wildfires. This quick guide covers the essentials for a lawn and power tool safety.

Lawn & Power Tool Safety Guide

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Plan Ahead

Prepare before you start using tools

Step 01 Know Before You Start

  • Check local regulations and ordinances

    Search online or call your local fire department to learn about fire safety practices for outdoor equipment use. Get a permit to operate grinding and welding equipment, if needed.

Lawn mower with smoke. Smart phone to look up fire safety practices.

Mow Safely

Sparks from lawn & power tools can start wildfires

Step 02 Be careful when mowing

  • Check the conditions

    Don’t mow when it’s windy or excessively dry.

  • Mow before 10 a.m.

    Mow before the sun dries out your lawn later in the day.

  • Mow green grass, not weeds, dry grass, or rocks

    Only mow grass lawns, not weeds, dry grass, or rocks — metal blades striking rocks can create sparks.

Lawn mower with an AM sun, avoid mowing over rocks

Use Spark Arresters

Spark arresters prevent wildfires

Step 03 Verify and install correctly

  • Use the right spark arrester

    Verify you have a spark arrester installed on all portable, gasoline-powered equipment.

    Make sure it’s the right spark arrester for your equipment:

    • Multiposition small engine (MSE): For handheld equipment such as chainsaws, trimmers, leaf blowers, and brush cutters.
    • General purpose (GP): For engines that remain in a single position, such as lawnmowers, tractors, and motorcycles.
Spark arrester on a lawn mower with a check mark

Maintain Tools

Take care of your tools

Step 04 Be safe when using tools

  • Keep equipment in proper working order

    Exhaust systems, spark arresters, and engines should be free of carbon build-up.

  • Use the recommended fuel grade and don’t top off

    Don’t fill fuel to the point of overflowing.

Leaf blower with fuel to the right amount, with a check mark

Learn more wildfire prevention tips

While at home or spending time outdoors, follow these important safety tips to prevent an unintended wildfire.