Preparation and education could save your life and your home
April 30, 2015 - Sacramento – Senator Tom Berryhill (R-Twain Harte) has introduced Senate Concurrent Resolution 49 (SCR 49) to heighten awareness and preparation for the impending fire season. Drought conditions mean 2015 will likely see an early start to the fire season. SCR 49 recognizes May 3 – 9, 2015 as “Wildfire Awareness Week” and encourages all California residents to be prepared for wildfires.
SCR 49 focuses on the importance of preparing one’s home in the event of a fire. Simply clearing a 100-foot defensible space around a structure has a significant impact on its ability to withstand a wildfire.
Between 5,000 and 8,000 wildfires plague California annually, destroying property, taking lives, and damaging precious natural resources. In an average year, wildfires burn 900,000 acres across California’s timber and grasslands. Already this year, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) has responded to more than 960 wildfires. While that number represents a small uptick from 2014, it is a staggering 75% increase over the average year. These statistics underscore the importance of ensuring Californians know how to prepare for a wildfire emergency.
“Our firefighters are ready at a moment’s notice to head to the front lines of a fire, but we have to do our part too. SCR 49 is part of a statewide effort to raise public awareness of the coming fire season and take steps to protect lives, homes and families in the event of a wildfire,” said Berryhill.
SCR 49 coincides with CAL FIRE’s campaign to educate homeowners on how to best prepare for the possibility of a wildfire. This potentially lifesaving information can be found at http://www.readyforwildfire.org/.
Severe wildfires also impact the watersheds that provide the clean and reliable water supplies critical to California’s people, environment and economy. This was especially visible during the 2013 Rim Fire that tore through over 250,000 acres near Yosemite National Park. In that fire, like many others, communities were displaced, wildlife was endangered, and critical water supplies for many areas of California were threatened.
“Wildfire Awareness Week is an important opportunity for homeowners across California and fire service agencies to reduce the risk of wildfire and increase public safety through raised awareness of fire safety precautions.” concluded Berryhill.
