Good day to all Twin Lakes property owners.

After driving around our neighborhood, I could not help but notice that some properties have sagebrush and similar bushes growing on residential properties. Some properties (including my own) have bushes right up against the home. I would like to challenge all property owners to remove these fire hazards from around your property. I know this has been an exceptionally wet year, so some may forget about the many hazards lurking around your property.

This past weekend, I removed many brush-type plants from my property. Prior to removing, I saturated the ground, making removal very simple. Upon my return, I will remove the remaining plants that are close to the cabin.

Please note: Chipping Day 2023 is just around the corner. This is a perfect time to trim all those low-lying branches you may have on your property, therefore reducing the risk of fire. Please do not mix any brush such as sage with the branches you will be having chipped on Chipping Day. The chipper does not chip brush. If you do remove brush, it is suggested you haul it to the transfer station in Bridgeport. If you mix brush with branches, you risk not having your pile chipped. Free tickets for dumping brush are available at the Bridgeport Fire Station in town.

I am also working with the county to see what can be done about the lots that have many dead trees and overgrown weeds, grasses, and other vegetation. I do not feel that those who do all they can to keep their property safe should be at a higher risk because of neighbors who don’t maintain their property.

Removing brush and taking a weed wacker to your property may not save your home in the event of a major fire, but it can greatly reduce the risk.

Here are some tips for all:

1. It is better to remove weeds (brush) entirely, but weeds and grasses should at minimum be cut to a height of 4 inches or less.

2. Remove pine needles and pine cones as well as dried leaves.

3. If you are not removing trees on your property, try to trim branches several feet up from the ground.

4. Do not forget to clear the area around your fire hydrant (if you have one), and please clear the area around your propane tanks.

5. If you have a two-story house, do you have an escape ladder in each room?

6. Remember: A fire requires oxygen, heat, and fuel to exist. If we remove one of these three, the fire is no more. The easiest for us to reduce is the fuel.

Please don’t wait until it is too late.

Thank you, and God bless all.

Carlos Gomez
President, TLPOA