Fire official warns against use of metal blades to cut brush

June 9, 2010 (Spring Valley) – Clearing brush with a metal-bladed weed whacker set off sparks which caused today’s four-acre blaze on Dictionary Hill in Spring Valley, said Leonard Villareal, spokesman for the San Miguel Fire District.

“Metal blades are not a good idea for cutting weeds,” he said, adding that plastic strips or blades are safer. Ironically, clearing brush, while important to create defensible space, can actually cause a fire if caution is not taken.  Villareal also warned against spilling flammable gasoline while refilling gas-powered weed cutters.