Cover story

Courtesy of CalFire CZU IN CONTROL Prescribed burns aim to thin out fuel that could possibly lead to a more volatile blaze.

Calming the blaze

BY JOHANNA MILLER

Firefighters urge residents to prepare, help prevent wildfires

Wildfire season in California typically kicks off in late summer or early fall. By then, rain-soaked earth has dried out completely, leaving plenty of fuel for fires to spark and spread.

But this past rainy season resulted in less than half the usual amount of precipitation for the state. Two years of drought is causing things to dry up sooner, resulting in fires beginning much earlier in the year.

“I hate to use the word ‘worry,’ but it’s definitely a concern,” said Cal Fire CZU Deputy Chief Nate Armstrong. “We typically wouldn’t see troublesome fires until around September or October. But right now, the moisture is so low. Things are starting up already.”

Armstrong said that Cal Fire is doing what they can

MAKING WAY A prescribed burn along a mountainous road in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

to prepare for a busy summer. While prediction is challenging, they are using long-range weather forecasts to plan ahead, and partnering with agencies such as the California Conservation Corps and the California Department of Corrections to bring in more aid.

“California is a big state—we’d like to have twice as many firefighters on hand,” he said. “Unfortunately that’s not the case. Through these partnerships… we provide training and supervision. It’s a really tough job… but they work really hard. It’s awesome manpower.”

According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, 2020 was the largest wildfire season recorded in the state’s modern history. The CZU Lightning Complex Fires alone burned more than 86,500 acres and destroyed 7,000 structures in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

“Last year was a big eye-opener for this county,” Armstrong said. “It got people thinking about the long-term.”

Cal Fire not only fights fires when they occur, but works on making the land less susceptible to such intense blazes. They do this through prescribed burns, clearing densely concentrated areas of forest and, of course, public education.

Ready For Wildfire is a Cal Fire website offering information on how to keep homes and properties safe from the threat of wildfire, and how to prepare in case of evacuation.

For instance, it recommends creating and maintaining “defensible space;” that is, a buffer between a building and any grass, trees, shrubs, or wildland areas surrounding it. The space is needed to stop or at least slow the spread of wildfire and prevent homes from catching.

A plan for what to do in case of fire is also vital, Armstrong said. Ready For Wildfire lists things families can do to prepare, including making an evacuation plan and putting together an emergency supply kit.

“No matter how well you’re prepared, the time might come when there’s fire,” Armstrong said. “You need to be ready to evacuate.”

Cal Fire also works with the Fire Safe Council in helping fund grants to support neighborhoods preparing for fires.

“This kind of work is expensive, and often left up to property owners,” Armstrong said. “But people can band together, work with the council and get it done.”

Learn more about the grants at firesafesantacruz.org.

With the Fourth of July just around the corner, and firework activity already rampant in Santa Cruz County, Cal Fire is preparing for a busy holiday. As always, they are booking additional staff and law enforcement to curb illegal fireworks.

“Whether a fire occurs from a firework or not… if we find them on someone’s property, we will go to the full extent of the law,” Armstrong said.

He urged residents to refrain from using such fireworks, not only for their own benefit but for others. In addition, be careful about activities such as outdoor barbecues and bonfires.

“We’re just asking people to do their part,” he said. “Just be mindful. Take a second to think about what you’re doing. People don’t always understand that it could affect a lot more than they think.”

Courtesy of CalFire CZU

For information on how to prevent and prepare your home for wildfires, visit readyforwildfire.org.