Prevent Mowing Sparks in Fire Season

one spark = one wildfire

Living in California, we all know how dry and hot it gets during fire season. One small spark can lead to a big wildfire—so it’s important to be extra careful when mowing dry grass.

Why Mowing Can Be Risky

Many people don’t realize that using a lawnmower with a metal blade can actually start a fire. If the blade hits a rock or hard surface, it can spark. In dry grass, that little spark could quickly turn into something dangerous.

What to Use Instead

If you need to clear tall grass, use a weed eater (also called a string trimmer) with a plastic head. These are much safer than metal blades because they are very unlikely to create sparks.

Dress for Safety

Wear long pants, boots, gloves, and eye protection. Protect yourself while you work.

Fire Safety Tools Are a Must for Safety

Always have fire safety gear ready and close by. This includes:

A water source nearby
A shovel or McLeod tool
A fully charged fire extinguisher available nearby

These are smart to have when mowing or weed eating dry grass during fire season. If a fire starts, you’ll need to act fast.

Pick the Right Time

Never mow or trim on a windy day. Wind can spread sparks or burning debris fast. The best time to mow is early in the morning when it’s cooler and there’s more moisture in the air.

Stay Alert

Watch the ground around you as you work. If you see smoke, smell burning, or notice anything unusual, stop immediately and check. Don’t take chances.

By following these tips, you can protect your property and help prevent wildfires in our community.

Let’s stay safe together!

Lori Templeton
Founder & CEO

Grind Fire Defense

P.S. I found this dog running through the tall grass and it cracks me up every time.

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I Just Got a CAL FIRE Citation–What Do I Do Now?

By Lori Templeton • July 29, 2025

I Just Got a CAL FIRE Notice—What Now? A CAL FIRE Prevention Officer just paid you a visit. Maybe they left a notice on your door, or maybe you had a quick conversation in the driveway. Finding out your property didn’t pass its defensible space inspection can feel like a lot to take in. Take a breath. You’re not alone—and you’re not in trouble. CAL FIRE isn’t out to fine you or penalize you. Their mission is to help reduce wildfire risk across California’s communities, and part of that includes annual inspections to make sure properties meet minimum fire safety standards. Think of this notice as an opportunity to get your property dialed in before the peak of fire season—not as a warning letter. At Grind Fire Defense , we work alongside CAL FIRE and homeowners like you to make the path to compliance as smooth, safe, and straightforward as possible. Why Did I Get a Notice? CAL FIRE issues LE-100 notices when a property is out of compliance with California’s Public Resources Code 4291 . This state law lays out the basics of defensible space, requiring all structures in wildfire-prone zones to maintain clear, safe zones that reduce the risk of ignition and slow the spread of fire. This includes: Clearing dead or dry grass, leaves, and debris Creating spacing between trees and shrubs Trimming tree limbs away from roofs and chimneys Keeping the first 5 feet around structures free of flammable materials If your property didn’t meet one or more of these standards, you may have been given a notice requesting corrective action by a certain date.