With the enduring drought and warm weather approaching, it’s important to plan appropriately for the threat of wildfire.
According to Cal Fire Captain for the northern region, Jonathan Cox, fire season traditionally runs from May until October. Due to the drought, the peak season is running about 70 days before and after the normal fire season.
“Our fire stations are now staffed with firefighters and equipment, our aircraft and our helicopters are also staffed and available, and we are running about a month ahead of time,” he said, adding that the Governor’s drought augmentation called for an increase in fire apparatuses in California.
Cox said that between January and April there were 838 wildfires throughout the state, burning a total of 3,534 acres. He said that on average for the last five years, at this time there would be 490 wildfires and 1,300 acres blackened.
“Defensible space would be one of the key things to keep in mind as we come into the fire season,” said Rich Sampson, Santa Cruz and San Mateo Cal Fire Division Chief.
There are three steps to preparing a home for the threat of a wildfire.
“We call the whole process ready, set, go,” Cox said. “You ready the house, you set a plan, and then we always say to evacuate early when a fire strikes.”
All homes need 100 feet of defensible space, which involves the clearing and pruning of flammable vegetation such as overgrown vegetation, dead grass and brush, and pine needles.
“You really need to have an emergency plan with your family in case of a fire,” said Sampson, “what you are going to take, where you are going to go, and having a go kit with medicine, food and radio, lights, phone.”
It is also important for residents to exercise caution and make changes in their routine. For example, certain activities like mowing should be avoided after 10 a.m.
“Right now the thing that will burn the quickest will be dry grass, but to us eucalyptus and manzanita are really the big vegetation that we worry about,” Sampson said, adding that dead vegetation is also a major fuel.
The backyard burn season ended May 1 and a permit is now required to burn vegetation. Those who enjoy campfires in their back yards must have the necessary clearance/defensible space and are liable for any fires that get out of control.
“Another thing is to watch for the ashes from barbeques and fireplaces because people are in spring cleaning right now and they take their fireplace ashes and throw them out,” Sampson said.
These ashes should be put into a small garbage can or bucket so they can cool off safely, and or watered down on concrete.
“People start lots of ash fires because they take their ashes and toss them into the bushes when they think they’re all nice and cool but they’re not,” Sampson said.
“And very important is to know where you are going to take your pets especially large pets like horses,” he said, “having arrangements already made to have somebody come up with a trailer — or have your trailer ready — to go load that horse out or that livestock out to a safe area.”
