31/07/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 31/07/2024 19:33
The explosive growth of the Park Fire in Northern California was fueled by recent, intense heat waves and extremely dry vegetation - conditions seen at many locations across the state.
Given the potential for wildfire and smoke impacts during what is expected to be a protracted "fire season," California residents should think ahead and complete emergency preparations: https://ucanr.edu/sites/fire/Preparedness/.
"If you are concerned that you or someone you know could be affected by fire or smoke, now is the time to take simple steps to prepare," said Yana Valachovic, University of California Cooperative Extension forest advisor for Humboldt and Del Norte counties.
Valachovic and other members of the UC Agriculture and Natural Resources Fire Network are urging community members to tackle small but significant tasks to minimize potential fire damage. Many of these tasks can be finished in a weekend, such as:
A recently published report, "Retrofitting a Home for Wildfire Resistance," also can help residents prioritize the measures that are most cost-effective and fit their budget.
As evacuation warnings are issued for local communities, there are six important things to do in advance of an actual evacuation order, according to Valachovic:
The UC ANR Fire Network website also includes downloadable checklists - in English and Spanish - for your go bag (https://ucanr.edu/sites/fire/Safety/Evacuation/Preparing_a_Go-Bag/) and for a host of important pre-evacuation tasks for your household, property, pets and livestock (https://ucanr.edu/sites/fire/Safety/Evacuation/).
"We want communities to be wildfire-prepared - not scared," Valachovic emphasized.
Hazardous smoke can blanket wide swaths of California - and much of the Western U.S. - during ongoing wildfire events. A primer on harmful health effects, a list of tips for reducing smoke exposure, and other resources and links can be found on the UC ANR Fire Network site: https://ucanr.edu/sites/fire/Safety/Air_Quality_and_Smoke/.
"If there's smoke in the forecast for the next few days, I would keep an eye on my local air quality at fire.airnow.gov," said Katie Low, statewide coordinator for UC ANR's Fire Network. "And if the AQI - Air Quality Index - is high, I would limit my outdoor activity, wear an N95 mask if I do go outside, and run my air purifier."
For instructions on making a DIY air cleaner, creating a "clean air space" in your home and fitting an N95 mask properly, visit the California Air Resources Board's "Smoke Ready California" page: https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/smokereadyca.
Another useful tool is the crowd-sourced #FireMappers fire activity map - powered by the National Alliance for Public Safety GIS Foundation, GISCorps, and CEDR Digital - accessible through the UC ANR Fire Network site: https://ucanr.edu/sites/fire/Safety/Current/.