Water is needed for fire protection
Our front page story, "Hot weather sparks early fire warning," discusses important points on how ev eryone can work to insure the safety of homes and property in what may be a summer with recordbreaking temperatures.

Common sense tells us that the fire department's recommendation to clear all vegetation at least 100 feet from the home is a good idea. Visit the Ventura County Fire Department website fire.countyofventura.org to find out the exact requirements for your type of property.

Here are some other fire safety tips:

•Remove all debris and chopped wood from the close proximity to any buildings.

•Keep pine needles and other leaf debris swept clean from roofs and other places where it might collect.

•Keep all garden hoses connected and make sure the water pressure remains strong.

•Be alert and call 911 immediately should you see smoke or any signs of an unauthorized burn. The fire department can tell you if a controlled burn is being planned.

Water conservation goes hand in hand with fighting fires. It would be a shame to have to fight a fire without adequate water supplies.

Remember to:

•Fix leaky faucets and pipes to prevent water wastage.

•Keep faucets turned off when not in use.

•Research the different ways to recycle your home "gray water," or excess water.

•If you aren't using your swimming pool, make sure it's covered to reduce evaporation.

•Consider landscaping your front yard with native California plants that require less water.

Remember: The water you don't use today will be there for us when we really need it.