 CAL FIRE crews work the Cold Fire on Highway 128 just north of Lake Solano Park in August 2016. The fire burned more than 5,700 acres and serves as a reminder that wildfire season is upon us. (Photo Courtesy of Joel Rosenbaum/The Reporter)
Wildfire Awareness
It’s that time of year again when we brace ourselves for
the threat of wildfire, a natural occurrence that is often exacerbated by
humans, whether it's due to careless or intentional acts.
While record amounts of rainfall may have gotten us out
of the drought condition our state has been in for several years, the result of
that is an abundance of vegetation that serves as fuel for any fire. As we look
around our communities to the hills and open space, it’s evident that the lush
green spaces are turning to tinder dry landscapes.
The time to prepare for wildfire is upon us. As homeowners,
we can create defensible space around our property and take care when enjoying
the outdoors.
According to the California Department of Forestry and
Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), crews have already responded this year to more than
400 wildfires, totaling more than 7,000 acres burned.
This is especially important to note as we approach the
4th of July, when celebrations often include the use of fireworks.
Longtime Vacaville residents and local historians will
recall “Black Thursday,” when a massive wild land fire ripped through north
Vacaville on Sept. 16, 1965. A 1979 article by former Vacaville Reporter owner
and publisher John Rico, recalled how the blaze, aided by a north wind,
scorched 8,000 acres and destroyed 14 homes. It only lasted about five hours
before being extinguished, but not before jumping Monte Vista Avenue and
Interstate 80 on its way to destroying fences, automobiles, power and telephone
poles and other property.
More recently, significant wildfires scorched the
landscape in the northwest corner of Solano County and a year later, Yolo
County’s southwest border.
I was in a meeting on July 22, 2015 with local, state and
federal agency representatives and law enforcement to discuss how best to
respond to an emergency in the Lake Berryessa area. Coincidentally, it was
during that meeting that the radios of CHP and CAL FIRE officials began picking
up the chatter of a fire in Stebbins Cold Canyon. Before the meeting was over,
the first responders were out the door on their way to the scene of a growing
wildfire-the Wragg Fire-that would consume just over 8,000 acres, damaging a
residence and destroying 2 outbuildings. The cause was determined to be vehicle
exhaust contacting dry grass, according to CAL FIRE.
Last August, a blaze occurred just across the highway
from the Wragg Fire scene in Yolo County. Dubbed the Cold Fire, more than 5,700
acres were charred.
These incidents serve as reminders that we all play an
important role in minimizing the impact wildfire can have on our daily lives,
especially those of us who live in areas of increased fire risk. Contributing
to the increased fuel load this year are millions of dead or dying trees, according to fire officials.
So as we approach summer, let’s all do our part to curb
the harmful impacts wildfire can have on our environment and economy.
In April, CAL FIRE introduced a new “Ready for Wildfire”
app. This app lets users access step-by-step checklists and information regarding
wildfire preparedness. For more information, visit www.ReadyForWildfire.org.
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Since 2003, Supervisor John M. Vasquez has had the privilege to represent the 4th Supervisorial District covering Northern Solano County. The district includes portions of Vacaville and Dixon. |
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