Wildfire Awareness Week comes to the Inland Empire

California Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr. declared this week Wildfire  Awareness Week to remind the residents of California of the dangers of wildland fires.  "The conditions right now are what we should be experiencing in June," said Chief Ken Pimlott, CAL FIRE Director.  Chief Pimlott was in the City of Redlands this morning with many other members of the fire service to bring the Wildfire Awareness Week message to the residents of the Inland Empire.

On hand were representatives of the Redlands Fire Department, CAL FIRE, both the San Bernardino Unit and the Riverside Unit/Riverside County Fire, San Bernardino County Fire, The U. S. Forest Service San Bernardino National Forest, California Emergency Management Agency and the California National Guard.  All the representatives were there to support the effort to remind Californians and residents of the Inland Empire of the dangers of wildland fire.

Last week we witnessed that danger up close with the several fires that burned not only in the Inland Empire but in Los Angeles and Ventura counties as well.  Chief Pimlott said "this year's dry winter has resulted in a significant increase in fire activity, in fact CAL FIRE firefighters have responded to nearly 1,100 wildfires this year, which is over 500 more for than average."

CAL FIRE Director Ken Pimlott talking about the dangers of wildfires

CAL FIRE is reminding Californians that when it comes to wildfires, remember "READY, SET, GO!" Being Ready for a wildfire starts by maintaining 100 feet of Defensible Space and hardening homes with fire resistant materials. "It's critical that residents prepare for wildfires by maintaining 100 feet of Defensible Space around all homes," said Chief Pimlott. "Most wildfires are preventable and we need residents and vacationers to be extra cautions outdoors so we can prevent wildfires from occurring in the first place."

Chief Ken Pimlott being interviewed by NPR Radio

Homeowners looking for additional information on how to prepare themselves, their families and their homes for wildfire can visit www.ReadyForWildfire.org. The site offers tips for residents to make their homes more resistant to wildfires and to ensure that their families are ready to evacuate early and safely when a wildfire strikes.

CAL FIRE Deputy Director for Legislation Caroline Godkin talking with Daniel Sanchez, District Representative for State Senator Bill Emmerson