After one of the warmest and driest winters in recorded history, and on the heels of last year’s catastrophic fire season, the City of Murrieta Fire Department would like to remind our community to be extra fire-safe and vigilant, as we move into drier, warmer and windier weather.
We often hear of Red Flag fire conditions. What does this mean? Fires can occur in most weather environments, but Red Flag conditions speak to the perfect recipe for disaster of low humidity, strong winds and elevated temperatures coming together on the same day.
Not an exact science and simply stated, Red Flag conditions are as easy to understand as “1-2-3…” “1” Single digit humidity, “2” Double digit wind speeds and “3” Triple digit temperatures combine for the perfect recipe for dangerous wildland fire conditions.
We are asking you to help us keep you safe from the ravages of fire by having 100’of brush clearance around your homes. Report signs of smoke and fire as soon as you see them; never assume someone else will call 9-1-1. Be extra cautious with smoking materials, spark producing tools, BBQs, and most definitely, leave the fireworks to the professionals! The San Diego County Fire scenario two weeks before Memorial Day is a prime example of things to come. And finally, read, learn, practice and live – “Ready – Set – Go!”
• Ready – Be ready, be Firewise. Take personal responsibility and prepare long before the threat of a wildland fire so your home is ready in case of a fire. Create defensible space by clearing brush away from your home. Use fire-resistant landscaping and harden your home with fire-safe construction measures. Assemble emergency supplies and belongings in a safe place. Plan escape routes and make sure all those residing within the home know the plan of action.
• Set – Situational awareness. Pack your emergency items. Stay aware of the latest news and information on the fire from local media, your local fire department and public safety.
• Go – Act early! Follow your personal wildland fire action plan. Doing so will not only support your safety, but will allow firefighters to best maneuver resources to combat the fire.
For more wildland fire information, please check www.firewise.org and www.wildlandfirersg.org