CAL FIRE moved equipment
and personnel to Southern California last week
in anticipation of extreme fire danger posed by the combination of high
temperatures, strong winds and low humidity. According to Tobie Edmonds Communications
Officer with the CAL FIRE Prevention Bureau, the Amador/ El Dorado Unit of CAL FIRE has sent 3 Engines,
2 from Amador County and 1 from El Dorado County, as well as two Hand Crews
from Pine Grove Camp, two hand crews
from Growlersburg Camp, 1 Engine from Nevada and 1 from Tulomne-Calaveras
Unit, for a total of 86 people to the fire that was raging through Orange
County, but is now contained. As a result of the recent fires CAL FIRE is
reminding homeowners in areas susceptible to wildfire to protect their property
with Defensible Space as required by state law. “By removing dead vegetation 100 feet from homes and
following a few simple steps, homeowners can drastically increase their
safety,” said Director Ruben Grijalva of CAL FIRE. “In California it is not a question of if a
wildfire is going to occur, but more of a question of when.”
Here are some tips to help
make homes fire safe: •
Remove all flammable vegetation 30 feet from all structures. • In an additional
70 feet create a reduced fuel zone by spacing trees and plants from each other.
• Clear all needles and leaves from roofs, eaves and rain gutters. • Trim branches six feet from the
ground. • Remove branches 10 feet from all chimneys. • Use trimming, mowing and
power equipment before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m., not in the heat of the day •
Landscape with fire resistance plants. --CAL FIRE will be kicking off
Wildfire Awareness Week beginning May 6 by hosting a number of public events to
help educate and demonstrate how to make homes fire safe with good Defensible
Space. For more information on
Defensible Space visit the CAL FIRE Web site at www.fire.ca.gov. Remember
Defensible Space is YOUR responsibility.
