CAL FIRE Announces California's "Wildfire Awareness Week" - May 3-9, 2015

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Last Updated: Monday, 04 May 2015 02:29

Published: Monday, 04 May 2015 02:29

May 4, 2015 - Each year California highlights the importance of wildfire prevention and preparedness by declaring the first full week of May as “Wildfire Awareness Week”. This year during the week of May 3-9, CAL FIRE and fire departments across the state will remind residents of the dangers posed by wildfires and the simple steps that should be followed to prepare for and prevent them. With this year’s record low rain and continued drought impacts, the importance of preparing for wildfires has only been heightened.  

Ready, Set, Go!
With fire activity already above average, Californians should remember “Ready, Set, Go!”. Being Ready for a wildfire starts by maintaining 100 feet of Defensible Space and hardening homes with fire resistant building materials. Being Set by having an evacuation plan and Wildfire Action Plan. Lastly, when a wildfire strikes put your evacuation plan in effect and Go!; evacuate early. 

One Less Spark, One Less Wildfire
Approximately 95 percent of all wildfires are sparked by the activity of people, which means that almost all wildfires are preventable. One of the leading causes of wildfires is outdoor powered equipment. Use powered equipment before 10 a.m. and never on hot and windy days. When clearing dead or dying grass don’t use a lawn mower or weed trimmer with a metal blade. Make sure your vehicle is properly maintained with nothing dragging on the ground like trailer chains. All residents and vacationers need to be extra cautious outdoors because one less spark means one less wildfire.

Learn more ways to prepare for wildfire by visiting www.ReadyForWildfire.org.

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California Governor Jerry Brown Wildfire Awareness Week Proclamation