Hello Neighbors…
Well, summer is here and the burn ban is in effect. Every day is a no burn day. Your top three tasks? Get your go bag ready, sign up for Nevada County Alerts, and keep up your defensible space around your home (especially zone zero—the first 5 feet) and on driveways and roads.
News and Reminders…
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Survey. If you haven’t already, please complete our community survey.
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Donations. Big thanks to those who sent donations in response to our recent mailing. As a volunteer organization, we rely on donations to do our work on your behalf.
Defensible Space and Roadside Clearance Review
As fire season approaches, keep an eye on your defensible space and make sure everything stays clean, especially in “zone zero”—the first 5 feet around your home and other structures. Pay attention to gutters, roof valleys, under your solar panels, under decks, corners, etc. Don’t forget about wooden furniture, cushions, potted plants, and other combustible items—best to keep them out of zone zero, especially on Red Flag days.
Also remember that roadside and driveway clearance helps you and your neighbors get out more safely, and allows firefighters to get in and protect your homes! County regulations require 10 feet out and 15 feet up, but these are bare minimums. 30-75 feet of clearance is much better. This means removing ladder fuel and trees overhanging the road, not removing all vegetation.
Here are two excellent resources from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), and a reminder of the Nevada County roadside/driveway clearance regulations.
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Preparing Homes for Wildfire (article with diagrams)
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Your Home Can Survive a Wildfire (13-minute video featuring Dr. Jack Cohen, fire behavior expert).
Reflective Address and Road Signs
Make sure that first responders can find your home in the event of a fire (or any emergency). Rustic wooden signs for your private road or home address are nice, but not necessarily easy to read, especially when it’s dark and/or smoky. And in the event of a wildfire, there may be crews from other areas who are not familiar with the streets in your neighborhood. Make sure your road and home are well marked with reflective signs (check older signs as well because the reflective surface does wear out over time). Signs can be purchased at local sign shops or on line.
How Not to Start a Fire!
Approximately 95 percent of all wildfires in California are caused by human activity, and no one wants to be the one to start a fire in their neighborhood. When it’s hot and dry (and especially if it’s windy), just one errant spark, a hot metal tool, or an exhaust pipe can start a fire that spreads quickly.
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Avoid using lawnmowers, weed eaters, chainsaws, etc. except in the early morning when it’s cooler, humidity is higher, and winds are typically calm.
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Don’t forget to check those tow chains for your boat or camper as you head out on summer adventures. Many a fire has started from sparks created by dragging chains.
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If you’re planning target practice outdoors, make sure the area is clear of flammable brush and have water, a shovel, and/or a fire extinguisher on hand.
Here is more detailed information from CALFIRE’s “One Less Spark” campaign:
Information Sources
This is a good time to familiarize yourself with local and online sources for information about fires in the area. Nevada County has a great web page listing all these sources of information and more. Here are a few highlights:
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KVMR, 89.5 FM (This is the community’s official emergency radio station.)
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KNCO, 830 AM
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YubaNet.com is an independent, locally owned and operated news website that covers the Sierra. Their “Happening Now” page reports on burn days, red flag days, and other important news, as well as active fires in the area.
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Ready Nevada County Dashboard is the county Office of Emergency Services’ map-based site that includes current information about evacuation incidents, fire lookout webcams, burn status and permit info, current wind and weather, air quality, and more.
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Watch Duty provides continually updated information about fires throughout the west. Watch Duty is operated by real people--active and retired wildland firefighters, dispatchers, first responders, and reporters. You can control the types of notifications you get.
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211 Connecting Point (phone—dial 211) is a resource and information hub that connects people with community programs and services. 211 call agents can help you register for emergency alerts, identify your Evacuation Zone, review your “go bag,” and identify extra resources you may need.
Next month we’ll get into the nitty gritty of evacuation.
Have Questions or Concerns?
If so, contact your Section Representative or email us at greenhornfirewiseboard@gmail.com.