Wild Fire Awareness Week

Posted by Geri Ventura -

May 2-9, 2009 is Wildfire Awareness Week - Do you know what to do if a wildfire occurs where you live?

While California's long, hot and dry summers offer us fantastic weather for many fun activities, they also provide optimal conditions for one of our state's biggest dangers - wildfires. In 2008, we experienced some of the most devastating fires in our history, and as summer comes to a start and we enter our third consecutive year of drought, it is vital that we prepare for this year's fire season.

Our Golden State is privileged to be home to more than eighty-five million acres of wildland, which enhance our natural beauty, provide recreation opportunities to visitors and contribute $452 million to our economy. Wildfires create a disastrous impact on this land by releasing dangerous greenhouse gasses and destroying forests and habitats, as well as potentially burning homes and harming our citizens.

Ninety-four percent of fires in our state are caused by humans, and by encouraging education and action among our residents, we can prevent many of them. One important step is to establish the required 100 feet of defensible space. We can also reduce our risk by understanding building code regulations and actively promoting fire safety in our communities.

For more information on Wild fire preparedness, click here

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