> Wildfire season has begun. Research has shown that a house with both a fire resistant roof and a Firewise zone surrounding it is 85 percent more likely to survive a wildfire than one that is not so prepared. Here are some tips that will help you improve your level of fire protection. Your home need not burn!

> 1. If you are replacing your roof, choose a Class A---or fire resistant---product. Your roof is the most vulnerable part of your house in a wildfire because of its large size and its susceptibility to flying embers (firebrands).

> 2. Dead pine needles are fuel. Keep them off your roof, out of your gutters and away from the foundation of your house.

> 3. Prune your shrubs, removing all dead branches. Limb trees up to 6-10' from the ground. Take the green waste to a local disposal site.

> 4. If branches are hanging over your roof, trim them back. Then clear your roof of leaf or needle litter.

> 5. Keep your lawn mowed and watered, as fire moves quickly through dry grass and weeds.

> 6. Store firewood at least thirty feet from your house---especially during fire season.