In addition, we have some great gardening prizes for the winners. You can also check the rules on our website at www.amadorfiresafe.org Entries for the contest are due by November 15, 2006 and winner(s) will be announced on December 13 at our public meeting. You may mail, email or hand-deliver entries to our office. Email is This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Speaking of fire the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF) is reminding all Californians that historically September and October are the busiest months of fire season. The massive Power Fire here in Amador County is a prime example of the seriousness of a fall fire. The department is urging residents to do their part to be fire safe during this critical time. CDF is offering some tips all citizen can use to prevent wildfires because ninety-five percent of all wildland fires within CDF’s jurisdiction are human-caused; • DON’T toss cigarettes out your car window. • Don’t pull off into dry grass or brush. Hot exhaust pipes and mufflers can start fires that can’t be seen. • Do your defensible space clearing before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m., not in the heat of the day or when the wind is blowing. (Remember, 100 feet of defensible space around homes and structures is the law.)• Remove any rocks in the area before you begin operating any equipment. A rock struck by a metal blade can be enough to spark a fire. • In wildland areas, spark arresters are required on all portable gasoline powered equipment. This includes tractors, chainsaws, weedeaters, mowers, motorcycles and All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs)• When camping, ensure that all campfires are completely extinguished and cold before you leave the area• Report any suspicious activity. Call the CDF Arson Hotline: 1-800-468-4408. Please do your part to prevent wildfires.For more fire safety tips visit the CDF website at www.fire.ca.gov