Wildfire season is here, with warmer weather and extra dry conditions.
It's reassuring to know that even with the challenges of COVID-19, our fire departments, emergency response teams, and citizen's groups are already active in fire prevention work.
Contra Costa County Fire Chief
Lewis Broschard recently shared some important fire prevention updates.
- Yard work to clear vegetation, create defensible space, and make your yard fire-resistant is allowed under the Shelter-at-Home Health Order.
- Many local fire departments have started their vegetation control work on public lands, including Contra Costa County Fire (ConFire) which just hired 12 seasonal employees with this focus.
- Fire agencies are reviewing their emergency evacuation plans with COVID-19 precautions in mind. This includes safe distancing and virus prevention in emergency shelters.
COVID-19 has brought out an amazing volunteer spirit, here in our County and around the globe. Some people living along the wildland-urban interface in high fire risk areas may need help clearing their yards. This includes people experiencing virus-related job losses and high-risk seniors who are staying inside.
Let's keep this need in mind as we muster our volunteer spirit!
This Friday is a great opportunity to learn more about this important issue.
At 8 am, KPFA radio (94.1 FM) is broadcasting a discussion on fire season and the pandemic, featuring Chief Broschard as one of the guests.
Details:
What: KPFA radio; A Rude Awakening: Upcoming fire season preparations and the COVID-19 pandemic.
When: Friday, May 8th, 8 am to 9 am.
Guests: Dr. Chad Hanson, founding research ecologist for the John Muir Project of Earth Island Institute; Fire Chief Lewis Broschard, ConFire; Christopher Godley, Sonoma County Director of Emergency Management.
