The Tomball Fire Department held an informative wildfire preparation meeting Dec. 14, to prepare citizens should a wildfire occur in or near the Tomball area.

“This is not to be alarmist,” Tomball Fire Chief Randy Parr told those gathered. “We are trying to give you some info.”

Photo: Tomball Fire Marshal Doug Sanguedolce (left) and Fire Chief Randy Parr (right) talk to residents about wildfire safety and preparation during a community meeting Dec. 14.

The program was designed to be able to evacuate residents early, giving firefighters the ability to freely move about and work the fire.

“Be prepared,” Parr said. “This is the same kind of philosophy as for a hurricane.”

Part of that philosophy Parr said, is for citizens to have checklists ready for items they need, like medicine and important documents. Parr said that families should also have a dedicated meeting place in case of separation and to have emergency supplies and items ready to go.

“Go to the nearest shelter to at least check in,” Tommy Nicholson, Tomball Assistant Fire Marshal said. “This is so we know how to reach you and know you are safe − even if you have already made arrangements to stay elsewhere.”

Another part of the philosophy was teaching those gathered how to protect their homes from wildfires. Providing a defensible space, free of yard debris, tall grass, trash and other items are key.

‘Typically pine needles and leaves are the big fuel sources for fire (locally),” Parr said. “Anything that can potentially burn needs to be taken away from your house.”

Keeping gutters clean and free of debris, as well as cleaning out from under decks and landscaping are ways to further protect your home.

A main part of the program, according to Harris County Fire Marshal Mike Montgomery, is to provide homeowners the information they need to protect their homes.

‘This is designed to help make a more fire resistant community,” Montgomery said. “We typically have two fire seasons a year, but we have been in a state of constant fire season since October of 2009.”

Tomball Fire Marshall Doug Sanguedolce added that keeping your home clear of fire fuels and debris isn’t all you should do.

“Take care of your neighbors,” Sanguedolce said. “Get them to provide the same levels of care to their property.”

Sanguedolce concluded by saying that residents need to have their local emergency information lines handy.

“And if (emergency workers) say go − do it.”

Photo by Caleb Harris

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