Wildfire Facts and Prevention

Did you know that there are actually benefits to wildfires?  They help clean the forest floor, kill diseases, provide habitats for many wildlife, and even helps certain trees and plants reproduce. However, the destruction they leave can be devastating as seen in recent disasters. Learn more about what people think can be done to help reduce the damage, while still seeing the benefits that they produce.

Recent Wildfires

Camp Fire: 

On 11/8/18 a fire broke out in Butte Country leading to the state of emergency later being declared. 
As of 7:00 am "Camp Fire" has burned 151,000 acres, and is 66% contained. This fire has already lead to 15,573 structures being destroyed by the flames.
77 civilians have lost their lives, and 3 firefighters have been injured. 
Camp Fire is expected to be fully contained on 11/30/18.

Hill Fire:
On 11/8/18 a fire broke out in Ventura Country. 
November 16th Hill Fire was reported to be 100% contained. This fire has burned 4,531 acres, and lead to 4 structures destroyed.
There have been no reported injuries or fatalities.

Woolsey Fire:
On 11/8/18 a fire broke out in Los Angeles and Ventura Country.
As of 7:00 am "Woolsey Fire" has burned 96,949 acres, and is 94% contained. This fire has already lead to 1500 structures being destroyed by the flames.
3 civilians have lost their lives, and 3 firefighters have been injured. 

Woolsey Fire is expected to be fully contained on 11/22/18.

How do wildfires start, and what should I know?

What do I do if there is a wildfire?

What Happens After Wildfires?

Following wildfires landslides and flooding can be common. Even after two or more years areas with severe wildfires can see the effects. It is advised that after a fire the citizens need to be aware of risks and signs of these secondary disasters. Citizens should have an emergency safety plan put into place so they know where to evacuate to, meet up with loved ones, and supplies to evacuate with. 

Are All Forest Fires Bad?

Fires are natural and not every fire is bad. There are actually many benefits to fire such as cleaning the forest floor, killing disease, providing habitats for many wildlife, and even helps certain trees and plants reproduce.

How Do We Help Reduce the Damage of Wildfires?

Many places practice what is known as a controlled burn. This is when professionals go and burn areas, but control and manage the fire so it doesn't get out of hand. The biggest pro of control burns is that it helps manage the build up of the forest floor, reducing the magnitude and the intensities of wildfires. Yellowstone National Park initially put out every fire that occurred, but later scientists realized the importance of natural fires. Yellowstone then started to allow natural fires to burn as long as they are not a threat to human life.