The hot part of summer is here! Those lazy hazy days when we slow down, barbecue more, and spend less time fussing over our garden and lawns. The grass is dry, dry, and only bugs and dragonflies thrive in the heat. The ban on operating gas or machinery is on and we are acutely aware that the fire warning is about to be EXTREME.

Our homes and property are precious to all of us. We cannot always prevent a fire, but there is much we can do to protect ourselves from losing all we own.

Fire devastates in two ways. A crown fire burns in the tall portions of the trees. Often, driven by winds this fire mass leaps from tree to tree roaring as it engulf the upper portions on the trees. Terrifying as a crown fire is it will eventually burn itself out as it runs out of fuel. The real culprits are called firebrands. These are the small red hot coals that travel like a spray and land on roofs, dry grass or any combustible material. These quickly ignite any fuel they come in contact with. The firebrand could land in long dry grass next to the house and then ignite the wood siding.

The best thing you can do to prevent this destruction is to reduce the fuel on your property. Do a perimeter check for the obvious fuels for fire. Clear a wide path around your house and out buildings. If you are building for the first time on the property try to create this space from the very beginning. Collect the downed branches, debris from trees, or burning pile and store them as far away from the house as possible. The roof is a good target for firebrands so sweep the needles off, and clean needles and leaves from the gutters. If you are building a new roof or replacing an existing one avoid cedar shakes and use more fire resistant tiles.

While you're up there check the chimney for a build up of creosote. It's highly flammable and can start a fire even in the middle of winter. Take one more walk around your property and look for any surface that could be reflective in sunlight.

Liquid fuels are highly combustible and should be stored away from the house. Sort through the cans that have been accumulated and then dispose of them. www.rdn.com is an informative site.

The land itself is as dry as tinder and needs your early attention. If you have a rain barrel or cistern make sure the water can run freely and have water buckets close by. Garden hoses should stay attached to taps. Don’t waste time doing that when water is needed immediately. Even one minute can make a difference in who has control, the fire or you.

Fire extinguishers can be your first line of defence. Buy the right one. These are fire-type classified so check the code for A, B or C. Check once in a while to see that it is up to date, and then practise. Always aim it at the base of the fire to extinguish it.

Now imagine that the unbelievable has happened and your house is on fire. Evacuate the people and pets. And then get out and stay out! Fire can spread rapidly and smoke is a killer. Did you buy the survival kit you kept reminding yourself about? Our very own GESS has an excellent supply list. www.essgabriola.com

This is another wake up call. Fire could cut us off from the community and roads may be impassable.

All this preparation is daunting. It makes the threat of fire a reality and the need for prevention, immediate.

We've all seen newscasts showing the results of a major fire in a community. We have been amazed that in this devastation one home seems untouched. This was not luck but careful prevention on the homeowner's part.

Gabriola is our home. Let each of us do our part to keep it beautiful and green.