PG&E and Cal Fire prepare for wildfire season

After the Soberanes Fire devastated much of the Central Coast last year, Cal Fire and PG&E are teaming up for this year’s wildfire season to teach fire prevention and safety.

Last July, the Central Coast saw the start of what would become one of the biggest wildfire’s in American history, the Soberanes Fire. After nearly three months of fighting the fire and over 132-thousand acres burned, authorities want to make sure it never happens again.

“It’s all hands on deck with the drought, the storms, storm debris, and all the other hazards on the Central Coast. We do expect wildfire season to be very intense, that’s why we’re preparing now, and we want people at home to also prepare,” said PG&E Spokesperson, Mayra Tostado.

Speaking of storms, intense winter weather may have helped state’s drought a bit but set up the summer to be a dangerous one.

“Light, flashy fuels such as grass and brush has actually grown tremendously so we have a huge crop of grass in the area that is light flashy fuels that would be devastating if they actually do catch on fire,” said Cal Fire PIO, David Clark.

And because wildfires can be deadly, Cal Fire and PG&E are asking residents to learn how to stay safe from fire and electrical danger.

“That’s what we’re concerned about. We really want people to think about how their yard looks, if they have good clearance to prepare their homes in case a fire is in the area so that their house can be protected,” said Cal Fire Fire Captain, Noelle Bahnmiller.

The Soberanes was started by an illegal campfire, but many fires start because of electrical problems.

“Any little spark, a limb falling, a tree falling can start a fire. That’s something that happens frequently and we want to help you avoid that. also, have an emergency plan. A go-bag to be ready to evacuate if you are in an area that’s a fire zone,” said Tostado.

And to add to the already high fire-danger, the Fouth of July is next week.

“It is up to the public to either purchase the safe and sane fireworks or what we always suggest is to watch a fireworks display,” said Clark.

They say following the law and common sense will help prevent wildfires this and every year, and authorities rely on the public to use both.

“Safety should be your top priority to ensure that we don’t have a wildfire, but if we do, you should be prepared at home,” said Tostado.

To learn how to be better prepared for wildfires, visit www.readyforwildfire.org