Fire preparedness starts with simple maintenance done around homes

Wildfires continue to rage across Southern California, killing at least 16 people and prompting more evacuation orders.

The Palisades Fire which has been blazing since Tuesday has burned  over 23,000 acres and is roughly 11% contained. 

The Eaton Fire is 27% contained, the one in Hurst is 89% controlled and the Kenneth Fire is fully contained.

Containment was made difficult with the dry season and strong winds.

Here at home, Dept. of Agriculture Forestry Division's Chief Christine Fejeran said readiness is dependent on how much effort landowners put in to keep Guam safe.

“The simple act of doing weekend maintenance on your property goes miles. On the Government of Guam side, your forestry team, we've installed fire breaks, fuel load reductions, shaded fuel breaks, on our management sites to help slow the progression of fire across the landscape,” said Fejeran. 

While the dry season on Guam is typically from January to June, Fejeran said  March through May,  historically, is the hottest time on the island.

The ability for residents to be prepared lies in the simple things they can do around your home

“Oftentimes this is a very common scene- there is a burn pit, beside the house, the back of the house and typically. it isn't too far from vegetation. And a good example is one, understanding that we do have a fire danger warning for Guam and be informed and recognize you can go to your fire department and take a look at that board and see where your danger is for the day and make the best informed decision whether you are going to use fire in your yard or not. Also knowing that backyard burning is illegal without a permit,” said Fejeran. 

 What some people don't understand is that embers and ash can travel about two miles depending on wind and topography.

“If this had been dried out, and at the peak of dry season, and that fire had thrown its embers into this, especially if it's sword grass--this would have caught fire immediately,” Fejeran added. “Clean up any debris that you have between your property and any potential wildland.”

In other words, create a buffer or plant a solid, native tree. By doing so, you reduce the amount of weeds underneath, reducing maintenance.

She also shares a preferred example of readiness.

“This is a typical fence easily put up around farm lands or property and the beautiful thing about this is there is maintenance along this fence. The grass is cut short, the access road is provided to get this, firefighters can get in there and we can help defend properties and lives . Continued maintenance is key to continued protection during the dry season,” Fejeran said.