What to do after a wildfire

Though we can prepare our families, home, and property for fire, wildfires are an inevitable part of living in fire-prone landscapes. Most educational material focuses on preparation. But what should we do after a wildfire has burned through our area? -First, stay informed. Don’t try to get back to your home until local law enforcement allow you to return. Be prepared to show evidence...

How to get fire insurance if you live in the wildland-urban interface

Chances are you already know how hard it is to get fire insurance if you live in the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI), or in an area of California classified as a Cal Fire high Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ). But even though getting home or renter’s fire insurance can be a challenge for WUI residents, it is far from impossible, it just takes work and preparation. Every year, hundreds of...

Governor declares Wildfire Awareness Week in California

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has declared May 2-8 to be Wildfire Awareness Week (PDF) in California. Cal Fire’s theme for the week is You Provide the Defense, We Provide the Offense! based on the internationally recognized Ready, Set, Go! program. Events are planned through the week, with a planned roll-out of a new CalFire website called Ready for Fire on May 2nd and a kick-off event...

Ready, Set, Go! Community workshops for fire safety program planned in California

Fire safety agencies throughout California are planning community fire safety workshops introducing Ready, Set, Go!, a program that has already gained the endorsement of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, Ventura County Fire, and Orange County Fire. Santa Barbara County has begun a series of community workshops which will run through May 1st introducing the program. The times and...

Do You Live in a High Fire Hazard Area?

Those who live in the American west make their homes in a fire-prone environment. Wildland fires have burned in the west for thousands of years. Some plant and vegetation types, like Ponderosa Pine, have evolved to depend on regular fire to ensure their species’ persistence. Wildfires (unplanned and unwanted wildland fire ignitions) occur hundreds of times every year in California. Cal Fire,...