Wildfire Season: Always Be Prepared

Fire season is upon us; though, according to Fire Captain of Station 81, Bert Ramirez, fire season in Southern California is all year round. Ramirez has been at Station 81 at 24462 San Vicente Rd for ten out of his 23 years as a fire captain.

Fire season is generally between May and November, but the times are declared differently depending on the fuel, also known as brush or vegetation, and how much rain has fallen, among other factors. The most dangerous times for fires are during October and November because of the Santa Ana winds; these fires are the hardest to contain.

Ramirez says, “We are looking for people to have good clearance and have their address marked where we can find them.” Clear brush around your home, don’t sack firewood around your house, and make sure your driveway is clear. The goal is to have brush clearance of 50 feet around the home and sometimes even 100 feet, depending on how much vegetation is around the property. “Help us help you.”

Ramirez lived in the San Diego Country Estates during the 2003 and 2007 fires and worked both. He says it’s important to have a plan for evacuations and what items you plan to take with you set in place before a fire and evacuation, especially if you have animals. Failing to make arrangements for their animals is one of the main reasons people get held up during an evacuation. The best way to prepare your home and family for fires is to follow CalFire’s 3-step plan: “Ready, Set, Go!”

Get ready.

1.    Harden your home. To keep your home safe from wildfires, focus on stopping flames from touching your home, protecting it from heat, and blocking flying embers. These steps form the first line of defense against wildfires. Some home hardening tips include:

• Material choice. The roof is the most vulnerable part of your home. Homes with wood or shingle roofs are at a high risk of being destroyed during a wildfire. Opt for composite, metal, clay, or tile roofing to resist fires.

• Ember sealing: Close off gaps under roof tiles and shingles to block wind-blown embers.

• Debris removal: Regularly clear leaves, pine needles, and other debris from the roof to prevent ignition.

• For chimneys, cover your chimney and stove pipe outlets with a non-flammable screen. Use metal screen material with openings no smaller than 3/8-inch and no larger than 1/2-inch to prevent embers from escaping and igniting a fire.

• Close the fireplace flue during wildfire season when the chimney is not in use.

2.    Create a defensible space around your home as a vital barrier against wildfires. This area, free from flammable materials and vegetation, significantly lowers the risk of fire reaching your property.

Defensible space is a buffer zone you create between your property and the surrounding wildland area. The space is key to slowing and stopping wildfire spread and protecting your home from embers, flames, or heat. It also gives firefighters a safer area to defend your property.

3.    Select fire-resistant plants and incorporate these plants in your landscaping to enhance your home’s wildfire defense. These plants, less prone to ignition, add an extra layer of safety while keeping your garden looking good.

Developing a fire-smart landscape goes beyond just maintaining a neat yard; it involves choosing and placing fire-resistant plants that thrive in California’s dry climate. Fire-smart landscaping is cost-effective, too, as it conserves water and can increase your property value.

Get set. 

1.    Build a Wildlife Action Plan detailing evacuation routes, emergency contacts, and safety procedures. Ensure every member understands and can implement this plan swiftly in case of a wildlife threat.

2.    Prepare your family. Craft a family-specific plan that addresses the needs of all members, including children and pets. Regularly practice this plan to ensure everyone can evacuate quickly and safely during a wildfire emergency.

3.   Pack your ‘Go Bag.’ Prepare an emergency ‘Go Bag’ for each family member, filled with necessary supplies for survival during a wildfire evacuation. Include essentials like water, food, medications, and important documents for immediate access.

Go! 

1.    Follow the evacuation guide. It’s a structured evacuation guide when a wildfire necessitates immediate departure. This guide provides steps for securing your home and ensuring a safe, orderly evacuation plan for your entire family.

2.    Get your home ready. If time allows before evacuation, complete critical steps to safeguard your home against wildfires. These include shutting off gas, securing windows, and removing flammable items to improve your home’s chances against fires.

3.    Protect your animals. Plan for the safety of your pets and farm animals as part of your wildfire preparedness. This includes arranging safe evacuation options and preparing emergency supplies for them, safeguarding their wellbeing in a crisis.

For more information on fire safety preparedness, please visit https://readyforwildfire.org/prepare-for-wildfire/.