As summer approaches, so does California’s dreaded fire season. In recent years, fires have run rampant in Northern California, including last year’s Bear Fire which destroyed 400 acres of land.
“It is important for people to have a defensible space zone around their house. I have seen a lot of houses saved because they had an adequate defensible space,” said Kevin McClish, Fire Chief of the Boulder Creek Volunteer Fire Department. “We also need houses to be properly addressed so we can find them without much difficulty.”
A defensible space is 100 feet of clearance around one’s home that protects it from wildfires. Accord to CalFire, the 30 feet that immediately surround a house must contain “lean, clean and green vegetation.” The remaining 70 feet must be a “reduced fuel zone,” in which trees and shrubbery are spread out, and all flammable vegetation is removed. Defensible spaces are vital for homeowners. Having one may save their house from being destroyed in a fire.
A common concern is whether firetrucks can safely navigate through private roads. Residents may help out by clearing encroaching vegetation and refraining from parking cars on narrow streets. Both of these obstacles can severely delay aide from reaching an area that requires immediate assistance.
“Private roads must be accessible for fire vehicles. A lot of the roads are not properly maintained. We need fourteen feet of clearance, both wide and high on the roads, per state law. However, enforcing this is pretty difficult,” McClish said
Steep terrain in the Santa Cruz Mountains poses a significant obstacle for firefighters. Transporting equipment and reaching remote areas is a severe challenge when controlling a fire on rocky ground or mountains. It is essential to make sure one’s house is accessible for fire aide to reach it.
Everyday safety habits should always be practiced, such as fully extinguishing warming fires in or around the house, turning off machinery that may cause a fire when leaving home, and routinely checking electrical appliances and wiring.
Faulty electrical wiring is a familiar source of indoor fires. Checking and replacing faulty wiring is a necessary precaution to take in preventing a fire. Fire alarms should be installed on every level of the house, and in every bedroom.
Due to a prolonged drought, there are more dry fields and flammable vegetation in California. Fires are becoming a year-long threat, and preparation is more critical now than ever before. Take the necessary precautions and never ignore a reverse 911 call.
To learn more on how to prepare for the upcoming fire season, visit CalFire’s website at www.calfire.ca.gov.
- Danny Glenn is a summer news intern. He can be reached at (831)438-2500.
