Wildland fire season has arrived and the Ely Times and BLM Ely Field Office have some tips to help protect your home and loved ones.

First, clear and maintain "defensible space" around your home, keeping trees and dense brush a minimum of 30-feet from the structure. Trim all your tree's lower branches at the trunk to prevent a ground fire from becoming a tree fire with the potential to jump to your house. Also, clean up any dead vegetation that may be on your property.

Clean the roof and gutters, keeping both free from debris. Also, trim any overhanging branches.

Keep all flammable materials away from your home. Move propane tanks and woodpiles to a cleared area well away from your home, shed or garage.

Install spark arresters on all small engines and other equipment. Weld only inside a shop building or in a cleared area and keep fire tools within easy reach.

Mark clearly access routes to your home, making sure that all road signs and the address are readily visible. Maintain two exits, and plan and practice with family members an emergency evacuation route.

In the case of wildfire, be prepared. Maintain an adequate water supply and proper fire-fighting equipment, keeping both readily available at all times.

Should a fire occur, call 911.