Be Diligent Looking for Hidden Dangers on Property Following Fire

BE DILIGENT LOOKING FOR HIDDEN Many homeowners may won- or break limbs. der when they can safely re-enter a • Do not tie animals to burned trees property after a wildfire and how to or structures. resolve issues that could harm them- • Be vigilant about checking any selves or family members. animals that may have been ex- There are a number of safety pre- posed to smoke inhalation during cautions to consider before re-enter- a fire. Smoke-related pneumonia ing a property burned by wildfire. is the most common cause of fire-related death in animals. Landscape Safety • Consult a veterinarian for treat- • Visually inspect for stability any ment of any burns suffered by standing trees that remain. Trees animals. weakened by fire are serious haz- ards and could fall at any moment Building Safety in any direction. Walking through • Only enter buildings that have such sites poses serious risks, been inspected by local fire especially in windy areas. Keep authorities and have passed in mind that wind patterns on a inspection. property may have changed due to the loss of adjacent tree cover. Check for burnt roots by probing the base of trees with a rod. If roots have been burned, trees should be considered very unsta- ble and may fall over at any time. • Watch for ash pits when walking around property scorched by fire. An ash pit is a hole of hot ashes left behind by tree stumps and root systems that have burned underground. Ash pits can stay hot for many days after a wildfire and cause serious burns. Mark their locations. • Remember, hot spots in a burned landscape could flare up without warning and start new fires. Livestock and Pet Safety • Inspect areas where animals roam since there may be hidden embers, hot spots, and ash pits that might burn hooves and paws 16 Ash pits, ‘widow-makers,’ chemicals – be careful BE DILIGENT LOOKING FOR HIDDEN DANGERS ON PROPERTY FOLLOWING FIRE • Be on the lookout for structural damage. Roofs and floors damaged by fire can collapse without warning. • Frequently check the entire struc- ture for embers and smoke, par- ticularly the roof, attic, and crawl space of a house for several days after re-entry. • Once you have ensured there are no gas leaks or damage to elec- trical lines, contact local utilities (water, natural gas, propane, elec- tricity) to restore service. Local suppliers will often come to a property to inspect their systems before reconnections occur. • Remember to contact your insurance company before begin- ning any cleanup procedures. A • Get a tetanus shot booster if you • If a home was damaged in a fire, complete inventory of damaged have not had one in the past 10 water wells may have become goods needs to be taken before years. There is a risk of obtain- contaminated with bacteria due insurance claims can be made. ing puncture wounds, cuts, and to a loss of water pressure. Water Personal Safety During Cleanup burns from the cleanup of bro- from wells should be sent to a • Wet down debris before the ken glass, exposed wires, nails, laboratory for testing before it is cleanup to reduce the risk of in- wood, metal, plastic, and other consumed. (See “Drinking water haling ash and dust particles. potentially hazardous debris. and septic systems” on page 18 for more information on testing • Wear a protective mask of at least Food and Water Safety and decontaminating wells.) an N-95 or P-100 rating. Debris • Throw away food that may have • If a municipal water source is from burned buildings may con- thawed, spoiled, or come in con- used, request that a routine tain toxic substances such as as- tact with harmful materials, such three-month bacteria water bestos, arsenic, and lead, which as fire retardant or ash, or has sample be collected and tested can be easily inhaled along with been exposed to heat and smoke. before consumption. small dust and ash particles. • Do not use water that may be • Avoid activity that stirs up ash, contaminated to wash dishes, such as the use of leaf blowers. brush teeth, prepare food, wash Tina Russell is the University of Instead, gently sweep surfaces or hands, or make ice. Until water Wyoming Extension educator based use a wet cloth or mop. can be confirmed as safe to drink, on the Wind River Reservation. She • Wear a hardhat, goggles, leath- use bottled water or boil water can be reached at 307-332-2135 or at er or rubber gloves, heavy-soled to ensure it has been properly [email protected]. boots, long sleeves, and pants. disinfected. LIVING WITH WILDFIRE IN wyominG 17 .

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