Wildfire Preparedness Week May 1 - May 5

May 1st - May 5th is Wildfire Preparedness Week! This week-long event is a reminder that wildfires are a real threat to our community, and we all need to take steps to be prepared.
In the past week, we have seen CAL FIRE SHU's CCC Shasta Crew 1, Whitmore and Sugar Pine and crews participate in the 38th annual ISHI Fire Crew Preparedness Exercise. This event is a valuable training opportunity for firefighters to improve their skills and be better prepared for wildfire season.

We have also seen the U.S. Forest Service and CAL FIRE conduct the Aerial Supervision Course in Redding, which trains new supervisors of air tactical operations from across the nation in air traffic control, communications, equipment, aerial firefighting tactics, and aerial observation. This training is critical for maximizing safety and efficiency when fighting fires from the air.
These events demonstrate the dedication and hard work of our local firefighters, but they also remind us that we all have a role to play in wildfire preparedness. Here are a few things you can do to prepare for wildfire season:

1 Create a defensible space around your home: Clear away dead vegetation and other combustible materials within 30 feet of your home, and consider extending that to 100 feet if you live in a high-risk area.

2 Have an evacuation plan: Know the evacuation routes in your area, have a designated meeting place for your family, and have a "go bag" ready with essentials like food, water, and medication.

3 Sign up for emergency alerts: Register for CodeRED, Shasta County's emergency alert system, to receive real-time notifications about emergencies in your area.

4 Stay informed: Follow local news and social media channels for updates on wildfires in your area, and be prepared to take action if necessary.
By taking these steps, you can help protect your home and your community from the threat of wildfire. And remember, wildfire preparedness is a year-round effort – not just during Wildfire Preparedness Week.

Thank you to all the firefighters, first responders, and community members who are working together to keep Shasta County safe from wildfires.