A new prevention campaign urges clearing brush and debris to reduce wildfire risk now before summer begins, according to the nonprofit Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH).

The national campaign, Wildfire Strong No Fuel – No Fire, focuses on reducing wildfire losses through consumer education and proactive fuel management.

The campaign is timely, given the recent wildfire forecast by the National Interagency Fire Center, which reported that while fire activity remained at low levels across the U.S. in February and early March, a gradual increase in activity is expected during spring and into summer, mainly in the South Central and Southern regions of the U.S.

February precipitation was reported to be below normal across most of the U.S., with well below normal precipitation observed across portions of the Midwest, Southwest, South Texas, and Florida.

The focus on dead brush and debris is because that is the only element that homeowners and communities can control.

Although peak wildfire activity typically occurs during the summer months, wildfire risk reduction should begin and continue much earlier.

Spring is the most effective time to remove wildfire fuel, after winter freezes and before hot, dry conditions arrive.

“Wildfire mitigation is spring cleaning your yard with a purpose,” said Leslie Chapman-Henderson, FLASH president and CEO. “By removing dead vegetation, clearing debris, and creating an ignition-free zone around homes in spring, people can reduce wildfire risk before the summer fire season begins.”

Winter weather patterns often set the stage for wildfire season by increasing the amount of available fuel, the nonprofit said.

Reduced snowpack, early snowmelt, and vegetation stress can leave grasses, shrubs, and forest debris dry and highly ignitable as temperatures rise.

The campaign encourages homeowners to take simple, effective actions, including:

• Removing dead leaves, needles, and debris from yards, roofs, and gutters
• Creating a five-foot ember-resistant zone around homes
• Clearing dead or dormant vegetation left from winter
• Properly disposing of yard waste

Sponsored by State Farm, the campaign also highlights the threat of wind-driven embers—the leading cause of home ignition—which can travel up to three miles from an active wildfire.

For more information and free wildfire safety resources, visit www.NoFuelNoFire.org.