Fire Season Information

 

The Yuba County Office of Emergency Services would like to remind you to please take time to educate yourself, your family and friends on preventative measures you can take now to keep yourself and those you care about safe.  DON’T BE A VICTIM.  BE PREPARED!

 

The Law of Preparedness

 

In January 2005 a state law took effect that extended the defensible space clearance around homes and structures from 30 feet to 100 feet. Proper clearance to 100 feet dramatically increases the chance of your house surviving a wildfire. This defensible space also provides for firefighter safety when protecting homes during a wildland fire.

For more on “Defensible Space” go to the CAL FIRE website at http://www.fire.ca.gov/education_100foot.php# or find the “Home owner’s checklist at http://www.fire.ca.gov/about_content/downloads/CDFchecklist2006.pdf.

 

Additional Precautions

 

• Do your defensible space clearing before 10 a.m. – not in the heat of the day or when the wind is blowing.
• Lawn mowers are designed to mow lawns.  It is recommended to use a weed trimmer for weeds and dry grasses.
• When clearing brush, remove rocks before you operate equipment.  A rock hidden in the grass or weeds can spark a fire when struck by a metal blade.
• In wildland areas, spark arresters are required on portable gasoline powered equipment including chainsaws, weed eaters, mowers, tractors, motorcycles and ATV’s.

 

Wide Area Rapid Notification System (WARN)

 

The County of Yuba utilizes a telephone call out system as a one method to get emergency information to the public.  When activated, the WARN system has the ability to send a pre-recorded message to thousands of telephone customers every minute.  If you receive such a call listen carefully to receive instructions.  Information may include the nature of the emergency, the need to evacuate or shelter in place, shelter locations and how to receive further information.  Recorded messages will repeat a second time, so be prepared to write down any necessary information.

 

Evacuation

 

Evacuate immediately if told to do so:

• Listen to your radio and follow instructions from local emergency officials. 

                                                                                                                                                           

• Shut all doors and windows and take your emergency kit.
• Use travel routes specified by local authorities.

 

If you’re sure you have time:

• Shut off gas or propane but leave water and electricity on when leaving.
• Post a note telling others when you left and where you are going.
• Make arrangements for your animals and pets.

 

 

Yuba Watershed Protection and Firesafe Council

 

FREE chipping of properly piled brush removed around your house and placed near the road is provided for Yuba County foothill residents.  Please call first for details and scheduling information.  The Chipper Coordinator is Renee at 530-713-7515.

Information has been developed by the Yuba Watershed Protection & Fire Safe Council on what you can do to be prepared for fire season on the web at http://www.co.yuba.ca.us/firesafe/

 

 

The following links may provide additional information that can assist you:

 

Tahoe National Forest Fire Restrictions from the U.S. Forest Service

http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/tahoe/

 

CAL FIRE

www.fire.ca.gov

 

Yuba Watershed Protection and Firesafe Council

http://www.co.yuba.ca.us/firesafe/

 

National Fire Protection Association

http://www.nfpa.org/

 

Smokey Bear (USFS)

http://www.smokeybear.com/