After what seemed like about two years’ worth of rain in just a
few months, we’ve hit a dry spell. Some of us feel like Noah after
the great flood, wondering if the skies are just playing with us,
getting ready to unleash another deluge.
After what seemed like about two years’ worth of rain in just a few months, we’ve hit a dry spell. Some of us feel like Noah after the great flood, wondering if the skies are just playing with us, getting ready to unleash another deluge. Others are greeting spring with gusto and just glad to be able to get outside and ride a bike, mow the lawn, or trim the trees. And unlike some years, where winter seemed to give way directly to summer, we are experiencing a real, live spring. Mild temperatures, puffy clouds, and possibly a huge fire season looming ahead.
Our long rainy season, coupled with a mild spring, has given way to a tremendous proliferation of wildflowers. But it’s also given the weeds and grass a longer time to grow tall and fat. When you see seas of grass that are as high as your waist, you have to think, “Boy, when this dries out, there could be trouble.” And it’s starting to dry out. Take a drive up U.S. 101 and gaze at the hills flanking its east side, and you may marvel at how quickly green is giving way to brown.
It’s only been a couple of years since the Croy fire, but it’s amazing how fast we can forget how close a whopper wildfire can get to us, how much it can affect us – even if most of us are miles away, nestled among rows of houses. So, even if our homes aren’t in danger when fires hit the canyons or roadside hills, the smoke, the ash, the soot are enough to keep our lungs working hard and our nerves jangling. For those living in the hills and mountains, it’s not easy or prudent to be complacent about the ever–present threat during the months when mudslides aren’t an ever–present threat.
With tighter budgets, every fire call means more city, county and CDF money spent, and the more we can do to minimize the potential for fires and to be prepared to deal with them, the better. It doesn’t take a lot of effort, and sometimes it just takes some common sense, but we can all do something. Here are just a few ideas:
Everybody: Whether you live in a house, an apartment, or whatever, have an emergency kit packed. This is good for fires, in the event that you have to evacuate, as well as other disasters (earthquakes, etc.). Some clothes, photocopies of prescriptions, some money, toiletries, and some food and bottled water are a good start. Know where your closest fire extinguisher is, and have an escape route in mind. Even if you don’t live in the outback, it’s entirely possible that a big fire could send embers and other burning debris your way. Don’t store a lot of flammable stuff, and when the Fourth of July comes around, use some sense.
Homeowners: Don’t wait until June to chop down the weeds and tall grass around your home. Just from the standpoint of creature comfort (yours), it’s easier to do the hacking and whacking during the cooler weather, which won’t last for long. Also, while there’s still some moisture left in the plants, there’s less chance of starting a brushfire if you use a power tools to do the chopping. You know that dead tree in the back of your yard? It isn’t going to spring back to life. It’s a fire hazard. Chop it down, or get someone who will. I’m always amazed to see dead trees – especially pines – standing near houses, garages, or other structures, just waiting to ignite.
Smokers who drive: Tossing cigarettes out of cars results in a lot of charred areas along roads. They don’t always go out, and the filters take almost forever to break down, leaving litter all over the place. Even during the wettest part of the rainy season, it’s really pig-like to toss your butts out the window of your car. During the dry months, it can lead to disaster, or at least a lot of clogged traffic and hot, dangerous work on the part of firefighters. Use your ashtray. It isn’t that hard.
Vehicle owners: Check your car over and make sure you don’t have any dangling pieces of metal. I know, I know. Most cars don’t. But take a look anyway. And if you happen to pull off the road anywhere, don’t do it where there’s tall grass. The heat from your exhaust pipe can start a blaze, charring both your car and the surrounding area to a most unsightly state. The same goes for motorcycle riders; don’t park in the tall grass or near any flammable brush. All it takes is a couple of seconds’ contact between the exhaust pipe and the brush to see all heck break loose.
If we all stay on our toes, we can help to minimize the danger, the destruction, and the expense that a hot summer after our wet winter can bring. If you want some tips on fire safety and prevention, check out the California Department of Forestry’s site, http://www.fire.ca.gov.
