"Swine Flu" Information Line:
As the threat of H1N1 Influenza A (previously referred to as "Swine Flu") continues, the public is urged to get the facts regarding the virus, and how to detect it. The California Departmentof Public Health has a wealth of information online, at http://www.cdph.ca.gov, or via their "Swine Flu" Hotline at (888) 865-0564.
CAL FIRE NEWS RELEASE: State Fire Officials Stress Now is the Time to Create Defensible Space
Last Summer’s wildfires charred over a million acres across California, in one of the worst fire seasons in recorded history. These wildfires destroyed hundreds of homes and burned dangerously close to thousands of others.
As temperatures begin to increase and conditions continue to dry out, CAL FIRE (the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection) is urging residents to take advantage of this time to create a 100-foot zone of defensible space around their homes.
“Last year’s wildfires once again highlighted how important it is for homeowners to prepare their homes to survive a wildfire,” said Chief Del Walters, CAL FIRE Director. “By simply removing dead and dying leaves, brush and trees 100 feet from homes and following a few simple steps, homeowners can dramatically decrease the chance of their home being destroyed by a wildfire.”
Here are some tips that can help homes survive wildfires:
- Remove all flammable vegetation 30 feet from all structures.
- In an additional 70 feet, space trees and plants away from each other.
- Clear all needles and leaves from roofs, eaves and rain gutters.
- Trim branches six feet from the ground.
- Use trimming, mowing and power equipment before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m.; not in the heat of the day and not during extremely dry and windy days.
- Landscape with fire resistant plants.
- Use fire ignition resistant building materials.
For more information on Defensible Space, visit the CAL FIRE website at www.fire.ca.gov. Remember – Defensible Space is YOUR responsibility.
Weed Abatement Season Update
As of the first week of May, all property owners with vacant lots will be receiving weed abatement notices, to mitigate the hazards of dry brush/weeds on their properties. If you are one of these recipients, it is imperative that you respond to this mailer, stating your preference to either abate the weeds privately (a list of licensed weed abatement contractors is available here), or have the districts' contractor perform the cutting service. If we do not hear from you by the deadline stated on the forms (June 30th, for vacant lots), our contractor will perform the abatement, and the property owner will be billed accordingly. For questions regarding weed abatement, contact our prevention office at 831-685-6690.
Some homeowners will also be receiving Intermix flyers with this photo in May, explaining what you can do better to protect your home from the devastation of a major wildfire:
If you have any questions about home & fire safety issues mentioned in this handout, please feel free to contact fire prevention (at the number listed above), and we'd be glad to work with you. A PDF copy of the informative brochure "Living With Fire in S.C. County" is also available by clicking the photo in the right hand column of this page.