re: California Fires Rage On, Putting Many at Risk

Almond — 11/7/2019 2:55:03 PM

OK, I love trees, but here are some common sense considerations. If you live in a forest, you need to have a wide clear area around your house and buildings. Landscaping should be limited to a few small, extremely wet, low-growing shrubs and bulbs or flowers. A lawn should be kept low. You might want to consider sprinkler systems for fire safety. Use French Drains and avoid gutters where leaves or needles can pile up next to eaves and serve as tinder. Build from fire-resistant materials. Have a plan of action and safe place to go to in case of a fire when roads are blocked. It should be an open area without vegetation and the possibility of falling debris such as trees, buildings, glass. Smoke inhalation and oxygen depletion kill, too. Practice fire drills. You may want more than one water holding tank if you live in an area where fire trucks cannot refill from a river or creek. You may even want to add a fire hydrant in an easily accessible location. Consider having someone from the fire department view your property and make recommendations. If you have extra sources of water, notify them as to the exact location and use so they can help you and neighbors if needed. Make sure your local fire department knows the roads on and to your property--one wrong turn can be devastating in a rural area.

We have an excellent rural fire department. I have been discouraged that I have been unable to organize neighbors for fire safety education. There is nothing to be gained from pressing the idea. I think a fire is simply so terrifying that they avoid confronting the possibility. That does not negate our need. We still have to protect ourselves, even without their help. If we help ourselves, we may also be better set up to help others.

One other idea, even though we own the property, in the interest of rural safety, we are investigating options for funding assistance possibilities with the local fire chief.