Firefighters urge Coloradans to cleanup fall leaves, pine needles for fire mitigation

Colorado Springs, Colorado (KKTV) – Local firefighters are urging Coloradoans to clear leaves and other yard debris to help mitigate the blaze.

11 News spoke to the Colorado Springs Fire Department.

“Make sure all your gutters are clean and remove leaves and debris that accumulates over the course of a year…remove pine needles and other things that could hit your home,” said Fire Marshal Brett Lacy. Told. “If all the debris clogs the storm drains, there is a potential for flooding, because it still rains at this time of year and there can be heavy snow, which then melts.”

Firefighters want to remind Colorado citizens that wildfire season lasts all year round in Colorado, as some of Colorado’s most devastating wildfires occurred in November and December. .

“Once you find a home that has been cleaned up, raking, and has no harm to it, it’s much easier to protect that home and protect it from any fires,” Lacey said.

According to the City of Colorado Springs, not picking up fall leaves is against city ordinances and can result in fines.

Composting: Researchers have found that mulching leaves in the fall makes the grass greener and reduces dandelions by up to 80% the following spring. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers this a form of recycling that keeps landfills from filling up, prevents pollution, enriches the soil, and reduces methane gas production.

mulching: Using a lawn mower to shred the leaves will speed up the decomposition. The shredded leaves make an excellent mulch and can be used as a natural fertilizer and soil conditioner in flower and vegetable gardens.

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