Preparing for Wildfire in Ventura County
Fire is a year-round reality in Ventura County. Although completely devasting in many areas, recent fires do not burn all areas with equal intensity. Fire danger remains even in areas adjacent to burn areas.
Now, more than ever, is the time to become educated on fire preparedness and recovery so that you can take necessary action.
Stay Up To Date
The Ventura County Resource Conservation District offers quarterly newsletters on wildfire updates in the area. In addition through the Ventura County Wildfire Collaborative, VCRCD is involved with community wildfire town halls. These events will be occurring throughout the County and will provide residents with a chance to hear from the local fire officials in their community as well as provide feedback on community wildfire planning.
Please reach out to use with any questions at Mason.Thurmond@vcrcd.org
Prevent
Wildfires are a naturally occurring aspect of our regional environment. However, fuel for wildfires can be influenced by exotic species and dense fuel loads.
Human actions such as throwing away lit cigarettes, careless campfire practices, and improper maintenance of power lines can contribute to the occurrence of large devastating wildfire.
Prescribed burns and grazing help reduce potential fuels for a wildfire around sensitive habitats and communities.
Some weather conditions can cause wildfires on their own, but human actions can aggravate situations even further. Hot and windy days post an extreme wildfire risk and people should refrain from high risk activities.
Campfires, cigarettes, fireworks, and equipment can all cause the one spark necessary to start a wildfire. Driving off road on dry grass can provide the necessary heat to ignite a field.
Learn how you can prevent forest fires
The mission of the Ventura County Prescribed Burn Association (VCPBA) is to provide the tools, training, education, and resources to conduct prescribed burns in a safe and effective manner that will reduce the threat of devasting uncontrolled wildfires. The VCPBA will utilize prescribed fire to enable participants to better manage their open space for the betterment of wildlife habitat and reduced public threat. The group is made up of dedicated private landowners, land trusts, County Fire, and other private/public partnerships.
Learn more about the Prescribed Burn Association
Prescribed grazing involves managing vegetation with grazing animals. Animals such as goats and sheep can be used to control the abundance of some vegetation, reducing the potential fuel load in areas prone to wildfires.
Learn about the OFSC Community Supported Grazing Program
Prepare
Home Hardening
Most buildings are damaged in a wildfire due to embers getting inside of sensitive areas such at attics and gutters. By maintaining and upgrading materials for your roof, vents, eaves, windows, and other features of your home you can drastically reduce the threat of wildfire destroying your home.
Defensible Space
Wildfires can approach your home through fuels on your property. These can be natural, such as plants, or unnatural, like propane tanks. Maintaining a defensible space around your property helps firefighters safely and effectively defend your house from a wildfire.
To register for a free home assessment and get customized recommendations for the specifics of your property please email us at Mason.Thurmond@vcrcd.org
Emergency Preparedness for Older Adults
Equip yourself with the essential knowledge and actionable steps to navigate emergencies confidently, tailored specifically for the unique needs of older adults. Read the article
Find the Complete Home Hardening Guide Here
Roof:
Build your roof or reroof with materials that are more resistant to fire.
Maintain your roof by removing accumulated debris.
Vents:
Cover all openings with at least 1/8 inch metal mesh.
Use ember and flame resistant vents.
Fencing:
Separate your fence from your house of upgrade the last 5 feet of fence to a noncombustible material.
Cal Fire Defensible Space Guide
Defensible space is the buffer you create between a building on your property and the combustible materials. This space helps to slow or stop an approaching wildfire. Defensible space also gives firefighters a safe area to work in as they defend your home.
- Consider using noncombustible mulch like gravel.
- Remove all dead and dying plants.
- Remove branches within 10 feet of any chimney.
- Limit plants closest to your house to low growing, nonwoody, and properly watered plants.
Act
When a wildfire is approaching your community act quickly to evacuate as safely as possible. Evacuating helps clear the way for first responders to focus on property protection and stopping the wildfire.
Every household should have an emergency supply kit and a Wildfire Action Plan.
Before evacuating close windows, remove curtains, and shut off your gas. For a complete list of pre-evacuation tips click on the Pre-Evacuation Tips on this page.
CalFire Pre-Evacuation Preparation Steps
Shut all windows.
Remove flammable window shades.
Move flammable furniture away from windows.
Shut off gas.
Leave lights on.
Be sure to include first aid supplies, a battery operated radio, and any medications you take. Visit the link below to see the complete list from Cal Fire.
Recover
Wildfires can cause emotional and financial damage. Recovery cannot happen overnight as it involves assessing damage, evaluating next conditions, and deciding on additional steps.
The process of recovery is not easy but the resources in this section can help you get started.
Checking a structure after a fire involves looking for structural damage, checking utilities, and other household items. Do not enter into an evacuation zone into given the proper permissions.
Returning Home After a Fire Guide
Wildfires can impact the topography and local watersheds. The first rain after a wildfire can lead to significant erosion and water runoff, increasing the chance of destructive mudslides.
If you live in an area impacted by wildfire it is imperative that you monitor incoming storms and follow any evacuation alerts.
After a wildfire VenturaCountyRecovers.org will share relevant recovery efforts.
