I detest mowing my lawn. Of all the routine tasks associated with being an adult mowing lawn is certainly my least favorite. I will certainly push it near the boundaries of good taste and then succumb to community peer pressure when I hear my neighbors mowing theirs. It is certainly easy enough but I am deathly allergic to every type of grass that grows on the planet. They haven’t invented an antihistamine strong enough for me to not suffer from grass allergies for hours after mowing.

Why do we even have lawns? The history of homeowners having a grass lawn stems from Europe in the 1700’s. In a time period where food directly came from local farming, wealthy landowners would plant grass around their homes as a demonstration of success. Sort of like: “I am so rich and successful that I don’t need to plant crops on this land. I have plenty of food. My status is so great I can afford to plant inedible grass.”

The lawnmower was invented in the 1800’s and was primarily used for sports fields and gardens of the super wealthy. I am not super wealthy and if I were I would purchase one of those futuristic lawn-mowing-roomba things. From the allergy safe bubble of my home I would watch proudly as my loyal robot cut my lawn in a beautiful pattern.

With taking the position of Fire Inspector I interact with the Williamsport Bureau of Codes quite a bit. In the spring, summer and fall I could observe that they were absolutely inundated with complaints for high weeds and grass. Per City of Williamsport ordinance grass should be cut regularly, being allowed to grow no more than 6 inches high.

I think it is important to remind readers that this is not only so that it is pleasing to the eye. This ordinance also helps prevent infestation of rodents and insects. Keeping weeds, grass and other vegetation clear around homes and buildings also serves a purpose in fire prevention.

A contributing factor to the staggering loss of property due to wildfires recently in Los Angeles County was the lack of compliance with brush and grass ordinances. Homes and businesses had thick brush growing right up to the exterior walls of the buildings. Add wind driven flames to this equation and devastation occurs. Wildfires can spread rapidly across areas with high grass and brush. The swirling winds of mountainous and hilly areas will actually cause wildfires to “jump” as it picks up still burning debris and drops it in another location. One wildfire can quickly become multiple wildfires and overwhelm the capabilities of a fire department.

As we approach what will no doubt be another windy spring in Williamsport I strongly urge home and building owners to keep fire in mind when maintaining their properties. Pennsylvania set a record for wildfires last year. Keeping vegetation trimmed and cut back not only avoids citations, fines and possible property liens. It truly helps prevent unnecessary destruction of property and loss of human lives.

Are wildfires common in Williamsport? No. Do I think you should panic and live in fear? Also no, but I would like to add this fact for readers to understand. At the end of every tragedy I have ever seen unfold everyone says the same thing: “We never imagined this would happen to us.” An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. I need you to understand that the possibility exists so you can do your part in prevention.

If you notice a neighbor or business that is letting these issues slip we at the Williamsport Bureau of Fire invite you to have a friendly conversation with them. We encourage local community leaders of all kinds to echo these warnings to their teams and congregations. Help educate them in understanding these simple tasks help create a safer street, a safer neighborhood, and a safer City of Williamsport. If that is not enough for them let them also know that every time they mow their lawn they have an opportunity to “stick it to the man” as it will no doubt flare up the allergies of the mean ol’ Fire Inspector.

Stephen M. Yonkin is Williamsport’s fire inspector.