Understanding Extreme Wildfire Danger

Characteristics of Extreme Danger:

• Fires start quickly from all causes, including unattended campfires, discarded cigarettes, equipment sparks, and even small embers.
• Fires spread rapidly and intensely, often making firefighting efforts difficult or ineffective.
• Fine fuels like dry grass and leaves ignite easily, and larger fuels like trees and logs burn with high intensity.
• Spot fires can occur from wind-carried embers, extending the fire's reach and compounding its spread.

Weather Influences:

• Extremely hot temperatures and very low humidity.
• Strong, gusty winds that can fan flames and carry embers over long distances.
• Prolonged drought conditions, often during peak summer months.

Tips to Avoid Contributing to Wildfire Risk

Around Your Home and Property:

1. Maintain Defensible Space: Create and maintain a buffer zone around your home.
   • Clear a 100-foot zone of flammable vegetation and materials.
   • Trim trees and shrubs regularly to reduce fuel load.
   • Keep grass short and well-watered.
2. Use Fire-Resistant Materials: Build or retrofit homes with fire-resistant materials for roofs, walls, and decks.
3. Regular Maintenance: Clean roofs and gutters of dead leaves, debris, and pine needles.

During Outdoor Activities:

1. Avoid Campfires: Do not light campfires in high-risk areas.
   • If necessary, use designated campfire rings and keep fires small.
   • Always keep a bucket of water and shovel nearby to fully extinguish campfires.
2. Proper Disposal of Smoking Materials: Use an ashtray for cigarette butts and ensure they are fully extinguished.
3. Avoid Using Fireworks: Do not use fireworks in dry or grassy areas.

Safe Equipment Use:

1. Check Equipment: Ensure lawnmowers, chainsaws, and off-road vehicles have spark arresters.
2. Operate Safely: Avoid using equipment that generates sparks or heat in dry, grassy areas.

Burning Practices:

1. Avoid Open Burning: Refrain from burning trash, debris, or fields during extreme wildfire danger.
2. Follow Local Regulations: Comply with all burning bans or restrictions.

Vehicle Safety:

1. Avoid Parking on Dry Grass: Hot exhaust systems can ignite dry vegetation.
2. Carry Fire-Suppressing Tools: Have a shovel, bucket, or fire extinguisher in your vehicle.

Reduce Flammable Materials:

1. Store Flammables Safely: Keep firewood, propane tanks, and other flammable materials away from structures.
2. Manage Vegetation: Trim branches and clear vegetation regularly.

Community Involvement:

1. Work Together: Participate in community wildfire preparedness programs.
2. Develop Emergency Plans: Establish and practice evacuation routes with neighbors and community members.

Emergency Preparedness

Prepare Your Home:

1. Install Smoke Detectors: Ensure smoke detectors are working and properly placed.
2. Have Fire Extinguishers: Keep fire extinguishers easily accessible and know how to use them.

Develop a Wildfire Action Plan:

1. Evacuation Routes: Know multiple evacuation routes and have a family communication plan.
2. Emergency Kit: Prepare an emergency kit with essential items (water, food, medications, etc.).
3. Stay Informed: Monitor local news, weather updates, and wildfire reports.

Stay Vigilant:

1. Report Fires: Immediately report any signs of fire to local authorities.
2. Follow Evacuation Orders: If ordered to evacuate, do so promptly and follow official instructions.

Resources and Further Reading:

• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA): Wildfire Safety Tips
• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): How to Prepare for a Wildfire
• Ready.gov: Wildfires

By taking these precautions during periods of extreme wildfire danger, you can significantly reduce the risk of starting or spreading wildfires and enhance the safety of your community.