Fire advisors offer guidance on minimizing damage, preparing for evacuation, protecting against smoke
With exceptionally dry conditions persisting in many parts of California, residents should double their efforts to prepare homes, families, businesses and communities for potential wildfire and smoke impacts, according to University of California fire experts.
“Even as firefighters make progress in containing the Los Angeles-area fires, communities must continue to be vigilant across Southern California and other regions that are experiencing this historically dry ‘wet season,'” said Lenya Quinn-Davidson, director of UC Agriculture and Natural Resources' Fire Network.
The Fire Network is a team of UC Cooperative Extension fire and natural resource advisors, specialists and staff who deliver fire-related research, outreach, and support for communities across the state.
The experts have assembled a website with a wide range of relevant resources at ucanr.edu/fire. Quinn-Davidson said the “Wildfire Preparedness” page contains essential information on how to protect homes and property from fire: https://ucanr.edu/sites/fire/Preparedness.
“There are many small but significant tasks that people can complete to shore up potential danger spots and minimize fire damage,” she emphasized.
Experts highlight six things to do before evacuating
For communities where evacuation warnings have been issued, Quinn-Davidson and other members of the Fire Network urge residents to do six key things in advance of an actual evacuation order.
- Close windows, fireplace screens, pet doors and skylights.
- Move inside patio cushions, brooms and door mats; tie open wooden gates that attach to the house or deck to prevent a fire from traveling from the fence to the house.
- Relocate any propane tanks away from the home.
- Stage buckets of water and garden hoses in visible locations.
- Dress for evacuation: long sleeve cotton clothes, sturdy shoes, hat and face protection and leather gloves.
- Put your “go-bag” in your vehicle and share your evacuation plans with out-of-area family or friends.
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/).
“These actions can make a tremendous difference when preparing for wildfire, even just hours before evacuation,” Quinn-Davidson said.
Take precautions to protect yourself from smoke
During wildfire events, smoke from nearby fires can blanket nearby areas. 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/.
“It's important to monitor your local air quality so you can mitigate smoke impacts,” said Katie Low, statewide coordinator for UC ANR's Fire Network. “One go-to resource is fire.airnow.gov. 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.
A wildfire can also contaminate drinking water to an extent beyond what boiling can remedy; residents should check with their local water department or district for any advisories.
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/.
Media Resources
Lenya Quinn-Davidson: lquinndavidson@ucanr.edu; (707) 272-0637
Katie Low: katlow@ucanr.edu; (530) 889-7385