California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
Amador-El Dorado-Sacramento-Alpine Unit

CONTACT: Teri Mizuhara, Fire Prevention Specialist II, 530.708.2724
RELEASE DATE: April 29, 2011

May 1st - 7th, 2011 Is Wildfire Awareness Week
CAL FIRE Encourages Homeowner Preparedness

CAMINO - Governor Edmund G. Brown and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) have designated the first week in May as Wildfire Awareness Week to remind Californians to be vigilant as the state approaches fire season and to highlight the importance of the homeowner's role in preparing their property ahead of time to survive a wildfire. So far this year, California has experienced above average rainfall across the state. The increased precipitation has left many areas abundantly green and overgrown. However, as warmer temperatures and drier conditions occur, the grass and brush will begin to dry out and the fire danger will dramatically increase. "This year's fire season has not started as early as it has in years past," said Chief Ken Pimlott, CAL FIRE acting director, "that's why residents should take the time now, while the grass is still green, to make sure they are ready for California's wildfires."

This year's theme for Wildfire Awareness Week is once again the nationwide fire preparedness campaign of "Ready, Set, Go!". Being Ready for a wildfire begins with maintaining100 feet of Defensible Space around each structure and "hardening homes" utilizing fire resistant building materials. "This week is a great time for residents to start getting themselves ready for wildfires" said Chief Pimlott, "it's the combination of both Defensible Space and the "hardening of homes" that give a home the best chance of surviving a wildfire."

Last summer, CAL FIRE launched a new website, www.ReadyForWildfire.org to assist homeowners in preparing for wildfires. The site offers steps residents should take to make their home more resistant to wildfires and to ensure that their family is ready to evacuate early and safely when a wildfire strikes. For more information visit www.fire.ca.gov or www.ReadyForWildfire.org.

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