By Melissa Hutsell
The dry season is upon us, and with it, the risk for fire in the Central Valley significantly increases. Complied with high temperatures, wind and the historical California drought, it is vital to take proper precautions to protect our county and the surrounding areas from a potentially devastating fire. We spoke with the President of San Joaquin County Fire Chiefs Association and Montezuma Fire Chief, Edward O. Martel to better help us prepare for the season and the abnormally dry conditions ahead.
Generally, the fire season in Central California peaks from May 1st through December 1st each year, “however being this is a drought year, the fire season has started earlier,” says Martel, meaning risks are high for fire hazards most of the year. In addition, the amount of fires that occur each season is rising, which demands attention for prevention in both urban and rural environments. According to Martel and the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution District, there are simple steps we can take to avoid increasing risks of fire including checking daily air quality, and burn regulations as well as keeping dry grass and weeds abated. In addition, Martel advises San Joaquinians to use common sense, and maintain your property. For example, avoid hazards that include, “The use of extension cords on a long term base (these should only be used temporary), BBQ pits too close to a structure, or unattended, and unattended burn piles among,” he adds, “other than heat – neglecting property, hoarding, overloading electrical supplies to their dwelling, and poor living conditions,” also create unsafe conditions which can fuel fires and help them spread quickly.
Some of California’s biggest and most devastating fires occur close to our county limits, leaving San Joaquin and the surrounding regions which include the Sierras and several national parks, vulnerable to air pollution. Beyond the clear danger that smoke and ash bring to life and property near burn zones, fires (especially wildfires) threaten our health due to the immense amount of air pollution – even hundreds of miles or several counties away. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), smoke from fires is a mix of harmful gases and fine particles. “Due to the fact that we are in the valley, the county is affected by quality of air that in turn creates problems with people that have emphysema, asthma and other medical problems,” explains Martel. This is why the amount of emergency room visits rise when levels of pollution increase. The most susceptible populations include the elderly, and anyone with a heart or respiratory condition, however, everyone is at risk when pollution levels are high. For this reason, it’s advised to stay inside and stop or limit outdoor air from getting inside by closing windows and running the air conditioner, keeping air filters clean and fresh-air intakes closed.
For information on daily air quality control, contact the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (APCD):
4800 Enterprise Ave., Modesto
(209) 557-6400
ValleyAir.org
San Joaquin County Fire Chiefs Association or San Joaquin County Fire Prevention Bureau
(209) 468-3380
Sjgov.org