Cal Fire Napa County: You Can Reduce Your Home's Fire Risk

An early increase in fire activity has the Napa County Fire Department looking at the lack of rainfall and dry conditions as an indicator that the potential for a higher fire threat exists this summer.

Since the beginning of the year, Cal Fire agencies statewide have responded to over 1,300 wildfires, which is more than 300 over the average for this time of year.

Napa County has a history of wildland fires. Since the 1940's more than 260,000 acres of the county's approximate 500,000 acres have burned. Over half of the acreage in Napa County has burned in the last 60 years and it is important that the residents of Napa realize that the next 60 years could be far worse than the last.

"Our firefighters have responded to an increased number of wildfires much earlier than normal due to a lack of rainfall this year," said Chief Scott Upton, Napa County Fire Chief. "In the past few weeks the state has increased their staffing on fire engines, dozers and aircraft in preparation for an early fire season."

The lack of winter rains has resulted in dry conditions across the state leading to a number of unseasonably large wildfires that have already threatened people, homes and the state's watershed. In the first week of May, CAL FIRE and Napa County Fire Department responded to a number of wildfires in Napa and in Sonoma County. The dry vegetation combined with strong off shore winds is an early indication of what could potentially be a very busy fire season across the entire state.

CAL FIRE and Napa County Fire Department are urging all residents to prepare for wildfires by taking these actions:
• Maintain 100 feet of Defensible Space
• Remove all dead plants, grass, and weeds from within 30 feet of your home
• Trim trees 6 feet from the ground
• Remove all leaves, pine needles and debris from roofs
• Create an Evacuation Plan in case of a wildfire

In addition to the state required 100 feet of defensible space, Napa County residents have the responsibility of abating their properties in accordance with the Napa County Fire Hazard Abatement Ordinance.

"I urge each resident in Napa County to visit the county website at www.countyofnapa.org and read County Ordinance 1290, Chapter 8.36 which explains what the residents responsibility for weed and rubbish abatement are," said Chief Upton. There is also a helpful description of defensible space requirements on the same site. All Napa County properties are to be abated by June 1.

CAL FIRE and the Napa County Fire Department are reminding everyone that when it comes to wildfires, they should remember "Ready, Set, Go!".

Be "READY" for a wildfire by maintaining 100 feet of Defensible Space and hardening your home with fire resistant building materials. Be "SET" for a wildfire by having a wildfire action plan in place so you know what to take and where to go if you are evacuated. Lastly, "GO" early when a wildfire approaches or you are asked to evacuate.

For more tips on preparing for a wildfire visit www.ReadyForWildfire.org, www.napafirewise.org and www.fire.ca.gov .