A heatwave is set to blanket many areas of California in the coming days, from Universal Studios to Beverly Hills, from the San Gabriel Valley to the Inland Empire of Southern California. With temperatures soaring and wildfire risks on the rise, how can the public mitigate the risk of human-caused wildfires and property damage?
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), a heat advisory is expected to last until at least Wednesday, with Tuesday marking the peak. Many areas in Southern California are forecasted to experience daytime highs ranging from 95 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit (about 35 to 40.5 degrees Celsius). Even coastal regions may see temperatures reaching 90 degrees Fahrenheit (about 32 degrees Celsius). Given the scorching weather, high-temperature advisories have been issued for most of Southern California.
The NWS also predicts the potential for thunderstorms in the San Gabriel Mountains on Thursday and Friday. Additionally, dry weather is expected from Thursday to Sunday, but varying degrees of low clouds and fog are anticipated each night and morning along the central coast. The uncertainty brought by low clouds might slightly impact flight schedules at airports.
Despite recent wildfires in California being sparked by lightning strikes, Cal Fire states that 95% of wildfires in California are human-caused rather than weather-related.
For example, the Mendocino Complex Fire, the third-largest wildfire in California’s history which destroyed approximately 459,000 acres of land and 280 structures and resulted in one fatality, was ignited when a rancher attempted to drive a metal stake into the ground to block a wasp nest, producing sparks that ignited nearby combustible materials.
Cal Fire emphasizes fire prevention at the source, as simple actions can significantly reduce the risk of wildfires. Key fire prevention measures include:
1. Safe parking: Ensure vehicles are parked in open areas away from dry grass. The high temperatures from exhaust systems can potentially trigger fires, so avoid driving into dry grasslands or bushes.
2. Proper clearing of vegetation: Choose cooler periods before 10 a.m. for mowing and avoid windy or dry weather conditions when mowing. Remember, lawnmowers are meant for trimming lawns, not eliminating dry weeds or grass! Metal blades hitting rocks can also spark fires.
3. Trailer safety: Securely fasten all chains when transporting trailers, ensuring that iron chains do not contact the ground to prevent sparking from friction.
Cal Fire further advises the public to use equipment such as lawnmowers, weed trimmers, chainsaws, grinders, welding equipment, and trimmers responsibly and have firefighting tools nearby, as a small spark could lead to a catastrophic wildfire. When undertaking any grinding or welding work outdoors, acquire permits beforehand, ensure there are no obstacles within 10 feet, and have a shovel and fire extinguisher ready for emergencies.
Cal Fire has observed that wildfires are increasing in scale and danger, encroaching closer to residential areas. Thus, proactive measures should be taken for prevention:
– Understand and establish at least two evacuation routes, particularly for residents living in high-fire-risk areas.
– Preparing an evacuation emergency kit in advance is crucial, with essentials such as food and water, evacuation route maps, medications, clothing and eyeglasses, cash and credit cards, important documents, a first aid kit, hygiene supplies, and a flashlight.
Simultaneously, individuals can enhance residential fire defenses, establish defense zones, and create fire-resistant landscape designs using fire-resistant plants that thrive in California’s arid climate. These preventive measures can help prevent wildfires from spreading to homes.
Cal Fire also reminds everyone to take immediate action upon receiving evacuation orders. Early evacuation aids firefighters in protecting homes and communities, preventing threats to lives.