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It's Wildfire Preparedness Week. Are You Ready?
The Bobcat Fire burns in Monrovia on September 15, 2020.
(
Ringo Chiu
/
AFP via Getty Images
)
You're probably already aware we're in an early fire season, but are you prepared for it?
It's Wildfire Preparedness Week. Get out there and start pulling weeds, trimming the brush, cleaning the gutters, and getting rid of that scrap wood lying around. And make sure there's "defensible space" around your house.
That's some advice from Angeles National Forest Fire Chief Tim Dunfee. He fought the Bobcat Fire last fall, one of four fires last year that burnt 23% of the 700,000 acre forest.
With our tinder-dry conditions, he expects to be busy again very soon.
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"I'm concerned about what 2021 might bring when multiple units are having major fires all at the same time," Dunfee said, "There's only so many resources to go around...every national forest, which there are 18 in California had a major fire burning last year at some point or another."
Dunfee says the National Forest Service has already brought in out of state crews and resources to deal with the couple of fires we've had so far daily.
Among the tools CalFire officials have created to get people prepped:
How to create defensible space
Making an evacuation plan
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How to harden your home
LAist: Tips and Explainers
- Listen to The Big Burn, our podcast that will get you motivated to get ready
- Wildfires are getting worse. What you need to know
- Understanding climate change may help you feel less helpless
- Every day is now fire season. Let's get you ready for the next wildfire burning near you
- Evacuation terms can be confusing. Here’s what they mean and how to sign up for alerts
- How to keep yourself safe from wildfire smoke
- The air is brown — should I wear a mask? We tested 5 out and have some advice
- This is why fire officials don't want you to stay and defend your home
- What does 'containment' of a fire mean, exactly
- How to avoid getting towed during LA's red flag parking restrictions
- What to do — and not do — when you get home after a wildfire
- If you want to help fire victims, resist the urge to volunteer
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
