A Guide to Navigating California’s Wildfire Season
As fires in Northern California continue to spread and conditions remain extreme, the USDA Forest Service has announced that they will be closing all 20 million acres of National Forests to the public. This closure will remain in effect until September 17, where conditions will then be re-evaluated.
In southern California, this includes the Angeles, Cleveland, Los Padres, and San Bernardino National Forests.
While National Forests in the State of California have closed to the public, the National Park Service has decided to keep all nine of their parks open while they continue to monitor the current fire conditions.
Below are some tips you can follow to do your part in preventing wildfires!
Practicing Vehicle Safety
While traveling from park to park be sure to frequently check your Van for the following:
- Secured Chains: Practice Safe Towing
- Dragging Parts
- Tire Pressure: Maintain Proper Tire Pressure
- Brakes: Worn Brakes may cause metal to metal contact
- Carry a fire extinguisher and educate yourself on how to use it.
Not only will these practices help maintain the life expectancy of your Van but can also prevent wildfires.
For more information, watch this video on practicing Vehicle Safety.
Campfire Safety
Who doesn’t love a good campfire? We certainly do and here’s what you need to know.
- Obtain a permit as required by the state of California.
- You can grab yours at any CAL FIRE, U.S. Forest Service, or BLM Land Station or submit an application online. Not only will you need one for your campfire but also for your portable stoves.
- Select an open and level location.
- Regulations may vary by campground.
- Never leave your fire unattended.
- Always keep a shovel and bucket of water nearby.
- When extinguishing your fire, use the “Drown, Stir, and Feel” Method.
- Drown the fire in water
- Stir the water to ensure all embers get covered.
- Feel the embers with the back of your hand to make sure nothing is smoldering.
For more information, watch this video on practicing campfire safety.
Stay Informed
Living in the 21st century is great because we now have access to such amazing technology that helps keep us informed. When you’re on the road be sure to download the CALFIRE app on your iphone or Android device, follow them on twitter or facebook, and sign up for their texts.
They provide frequent updates regarding the status of any and all California’s Wildfires and that information includes the size of the fire, containment level, and evacuation notices.
For more information regarding CALFIRE resources, click here, and be safe!
