The City of Santa Rosa Fire Department anticipates the start of this year’s wildfire season locally in early June in Santa Rosa. The date will be determined following late-season rains, current weather, and long-range forecasts.

The Fire Department is asking residents, especially those who live within or around the City’s Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) area, to take steps to prepare properties and update household emergency plans in anticipation of an active wildfire season. Proactive measures taken now will go a long way to protect residents, properties, and the community at large for the next several months during the height of a hot and dry season

PREPARING YOUR HOUSEHOLD FOR WILDFIRE SEASON:

Residents living in or immediately around our Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) can take the following actions to protect their properties AND prepare their households for a potential emergency by preparing Defensible Space Zones:

• Maintain a ‘defensible space’ of at least 30 feet around the home; trim back trees, especially low-hanging branches and branches near rooflines a distance of at least 10 feet.
• Use hardscape like gravel, pavers, or concrete 0-5 feet around your home. 
• Clean the roof and the gutters of debris.
• Rake up and remove leaves from around your home and from under decks.
• Move woodpile and other combustible materials away from your home or deck.
• Inspect and repair exterior siding, including dry rot, gaps, cracks, and warping to protect your home from embers. 
• Review emergency plans and evacuation procedures and discuss them with all household members.
• Take stock of emergency essentials like food and water and assess “Go Bag” needs such as clothing, medicine, and important documents.

Additional City Connection articles will be provided through the start of our local Fire Season and will continue until the end of the 2023 season is declared. Information will be related to content found at SRCity.org/WildfireReady and SRCity.org/ReadySR.