Homeowners Asked to Prepare for Wildfire Season

A spike in wildfires in California. A 75 percent increase so far this year.

That announcement from the governor today as he proclaimed this week wildfire awareness week in California.

Fire fighters in Fresno County fought a string of wildfires Monday. And had to ask for help from neighboring cities.

Bob Sampson worked in the early evening hours to clear brush in a pasture near his house.

"I try to keep the vegetation down at least in that defensible area around the house," Sampson said.

A smart practice. Especially since a wildfire burned 35 acres burned just down the road from Bob’s property hours earlier.
Winds pushed the flames over creek beds and across property lines at Herndon and Academy.

At the same time, another fire was spotted at Academy and Shields.

"At one point some of the resources that were supposed to be going to one of the original fires were being stopped, basically finding a new fire along their path, and requesting additional resources themselves," said Captain Ryan Michaels with CalFire Fresno County.

Multiple fires at the same time stretched resources.
And crews had to call for help from neighboring cities, including Fresno, Clovis, Sanger even the Air National Guard.

Fire fighters are asking residents to help by protecting their homes with 100 feet of defensible space. That means no dead grass or brush. the space increases the chance your home will survive a wildfire.

"They need to have defensible space, they need to be paying attention to what they’re doing. Windy days like this we don’t encourage people to be mowing. They may strike a rock or a piece of metal start a new fire," Captain Michaels said.

Bob Sampson waited until late in the day to clear brush on his property, when it’s a little cooler. which is recommended.
His property has never been threatened by wildfire. But he and his neighbor do what they can to protect their homes.

"It’s very comforting to know that the neighbors are just as concerned. And you have to be concerned when you live out here," Sampson said.

CalFire has a complete list of recommendations to protect your home at: http://www.readyforwildfire.org/