Defensible space is the buzz word for Wildfire Awareness Week, held May 6th through 12th.

The local California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection is promoting the message that if residents take the “defense,” CDF will provide the “offense.”

CDF spokeswoman Sharon Torrence says this is the best time of year for clearing at least 30 feet of grass and over-growth from around homes, since temperatures are still cool and humidity is high. Nearly 40 wildfires last summer were caused by lawnmowers, she says.

Torrence says wildfire season in the Mother Lode will officially get started very soon.