Last Updated: September 15, 2007 1:11 AM
EXTREME FIRE AWARENESS PROGRAM
What Is The Extreme Fire Awareness Program ?
In an attempt to reduce the threat of a large damaging wildfire in Fresno County, CAL FIRE is implementing a program known as Extreme Fire Awareness. CAL FIRE recognizes the potential risk to life and property in the eastern Fresno County foothills. This program is intended to inform and ask the public for assistance in wildfire detection and prevention. Most of all, it is intended to inform the public of conditions within eastern Fresno County that could give breath to a large damaging wildfire. The public must do their part to protect their homes through a 100 ft defensible zone. The conditions that are developing will allow a greater than normal potential for fire ignitions. These conditions also pose a greater than average ability for rapid fire spread. The Extreme Fire Awareness Program has the primary intent to protect life and property through public education, the use of defensible space, and the reduction of unwanted fire ignitions through extensive patrol and public awareness.
What Are These Conditions ?
Local factors and conditions are evaluated several times per day. The items evaluated are weather conditions such as temperature, humidity, wind, and fuel moistures. The lack of normal rainfall in the last few years is the primary factor provoking the environmental conditions. Fuel moistures are 2 months early relative to their normal seasonal conditions. This causes a greater than normal live to dead fuel ratio with very dry live fuel moistures. This will provide a receptive fuel bed for fire ignitions. Additional factors of concern are predicted lightning events. Major fires burning in or around the Fresno County area and in the state will also represent a concern for evaluation.
When And How Is The Plan Activated ?
Each morning the factors and expected conditions are evaluated. CAL FIRE officials will activate the plan based on these conditions. The CAL FIRE and Fresno County Fire District Stations will post a red flag to warn the public of conditions of extreme nature. This activation will be released to the media. Local fire, law enforcement and utility agencies will be advised of the EXTREME FIRE AWARENESS ACTIVATION.
Specific Conditions Which Will Activate the plan:
What Can I Do To Help ?
Be safe,
Don’t use equipment such as mowers, weed eaters, chain saws, grinders, or motorized equipment in undeveloped areas.
Don’t smoke in areas that are not clear of vegetation. Discard the ashes in a container and put the smoke dead out. Use your ashtray.
Don’t conduct outside burning, such as outside cooking fires, yard tikki torches, or campfires even if they are in an approved fire ring.
In general be very careful with any outdoor activity.
Provide your home with defensible space.
Be Alert,
Pay attention, to people, actions, or vehicles in areas where they don’t belong. Watch for actions of suspicious nature.
Report fires to 911 or suspicious actions to the arson tip line at 1-800-852-7799
Be Prepared,
In the event an evacuation becomes necessary, have a list of items you wish to take with you. Know your escape route. Know where and how to immediately access Items of value or personal need.
What Should I Do If A Fire Starts ?
If you are unable to put it out IMMEDIATELY, report the fire with out delay.
Stay clear of the fire, DO NOT PLACE YOURSELF IN DANGER.
Warn your neighbors if possible.
Keep roads clear to allow for entrance of firefighters and escape of others.
If firefighters or law enforcement tell you to evacuate, please do so safely without delay.
What Action Is CAL FIRE Taking ?
CAL FIRE has augmentation staffing consisting of a minimum 4 person engine companies.
Special staffing patterns will be initiated for personnel and equipment needs if required.
Additional equipment may be staffed to meet needs of the area and not affect the initial attack ability.
The awareness plan activation will put volunteers in the field on patrol as eyes for problems.
Agencies such as but not limited to, Fresno Sheriff, CHP, Cal Trans, PG&E, So Cal Edison, and local fire authorities will patrol areas of concern.
CAL FIRE and Fresno County Fire District facilities will fly a red flag to alert the public of the awareness.
The public will be kept informed in our local media by the CAL FIRE / Fresno County Fire District Public Information Officer.
Based on availability, aircraft will be used for patrol.
Arson investigators will be on active patrol in addition to enforcement of forest and fire laws.