Every year, California faces unpredictable and devastating wildfires.
In the 32nd District, our firefighters have already battled several fires this season, and I thank them for their dedication and service to our communities.
As a retired Fire Battalion Chief and firefighter serving in the State of California for 35 years, I have experienced firsthand the dangerous and life-altering effects a fire can have on families and businesses in our communities.
Approximately 95% of wildfires in California are caused by human activity. But there are precautions we can take to prevent fires before they start.
In order to keep us all safe, there are simple steps we can take to avoid the ignition and spread of wildfires:
Avoid using power equipment after 10 am or on hot or windy days
Stay current on regular maintenance for your vehicle, do not drive onto dry grass or brush, and make sure trailer chains and cables are not dragging on the ground
Never leave a fire unattended, and follow all guidelines for the use of campfires, debris burning, and fireworks in your local jurisdiction
Practice safety and find out best practices when target shooting, including finding the right ammunition type and using safe targets
Dispose of used matches and cigarette butts in a closed container or cup of water
Maintain at least 100 feet of defensible space around your home and remove debris from gutters
If you see a downed power line, keep at a safe distance and immediately call 911
Most importantly, make sure you have an evacuation plan in place for you and your family if you get an evacuation order due to a fire or other emergency, and leave the area immediately to stay safe and to clear the way for emergency personnel.
A disaster can happen at any time, but planning ahead will help you respond to an emergency quickly and correctly. Being prepared can make all the difference.
You can find the right wildfire action plan for your family and home by visiting ReadyforWildfire.org.
Signing up for CALFIRE’s incident updates will provide emergency information when you need it. They also have resources to help plan for evacuations.
The California Office of Emergency Services and your local police and fire departments are also great resources.
Most wildfires are preventable and if we all do our part, we can help our first responders minimize the impact on our communities and keep us all safe this fire season.