It’s that time of year again and we need to get ready for wildfire. This includes things like clearing leaves off the roof and out of the gutters, clearing vegetation and combustible materials around your home and preparing or reviewing your evacuation plan.

This Summer, learn more by following the #WildfireWeatherAWARE campaign with the Bureau of Land Management, CAL FIRE, U.S. National Weather Service (NWS), U.S. Forest Service and California Fire Safe Council, Inc.

Sign up now for local fire weather information and emergency alerts to get tuned in to changing weather conditions that influence wildfire danger. Sign up for emergency alert services straight to your phone from the American Red Cross, Federal Emergency Management Agency and the CAL FIRE Ready for Wildfire App . The CAL FIRE app can help with preparing your home for wildfire, creating an evacuation plan, and assembling an emergency supply kit. It also features wildfire alerts by county, up-to-date information about current wildfires, and a map of all current fires. Download the app here.

A Red Flag Warning means means warm temperatures, very low humidities, and stronger winds are expected to combine to produce an increased risk of fire danger.  You can find Red Flag alerts on the National Weather Service webpage (search by zip code).

95% of all wildfires are caused by the activity of people. After you have signed up for wildfire alerts, hardened your home, created defensible space, and prepared an evacuation plan, learn more about how to help prevent wildfire by visiting the One Less Spark- One Less Wildfire webpage. 

Quick Tips for Wildfire Prevention:

• Do not throw cigarettes or matches out of a moving vehicle. They may ignite dry grass on the side of the road and become a wildfire.
• Extinguish all outdoor fires properly. Drown fires with plenty of water and stir to make sure everything is cold to the touch. Dunk charcoal in water until cold. Do not throw live charcoal on the ground and leave it.
• Never leave a fire unattended. Sparks or embers can blow into leaves or grass, ignite a fire, and quickly spread.
• Learn how to properly burn debris
• Don’t drive your vehicle onto dry grass or brush. Hot exhaust pipes and mufflers can start fires that you won’t even see—until it’s too late!
• Practice fire-safe target shooting.
• Practice campfire safety.
• Mow before 10 a.m., but never when it’s windy or excessively dry.
• Don't use lawnmowers or weed trimmers with metal blades on dry grass.
• Make sure your vehicle is properly maintained, with no dragging chains or parts.