[02/JUN/2022] WILDFIRE SEASON IS COMING TO SAN ANDREAS

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Jennifer Schneider
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WILDFIRE SEASON IS COMING TO SAN ANDREAS
2nd of June, 2022
LSFD Public Relations Supervisor Jennifer Schneider, Public Relations Trainee Emilia Jenkins
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INTRODUCTION - Catastrophic brush fires are occurring every year not only in San Andreas but across the country. Studies have shown that 84% of wildfires are caused by human nature. Wildfires are most prevalent in summer. In the early 1950s, wildfire season was typically five months long. As time has gone on and climate change has intensified, our current wildfire season has grown to seven months. It is important to protect your family by preparing, planning, and staying aware.

The first wildfire the department responded to during Operation Safe Forest happened on Sunday, 22nd of May, 2022. The department received a 911 call reporting a large wildfire in the area of Great Chaparral. Units discovered several trees and bushes on fire upon arrival. The fire started to spread around the area and affected both sides of the road. Brushes under a bridge also caught fire and the whole situation kept firefighters busy for over 120 minutes. Firefighters found propane tanks in the area during the operation. State Fire Marshals will be investigating the cause of this emergency fire. One law enforcement officer was injured during the situation and had to be transported to the hospital.
Units Dispatched: E7, E96, E98, BP9, BP7, RE3, PR4, PIO, RA2
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Image credits: Jennifer Schneider

But Operation Safe Forest isn't just about fires. The operation was created by the Office of the State Fire Marshals in cooperation with the San Andreas Park Rangers and the Los Santos Fire Department. SFM scheduled multiple safety patrols across the state parks in order to prevent the wildfires and also spread the word about the upcoming wildfires season. Firefighters can be seen patrolling the forest in the picture below. Prevention is needed as the fire can spread to properties, cars, and other objects as well. Another main task the units had during patrol is to locate and safely remove all flammable objects or other potential hazards to the forest. During patrols, units were able to find a number of items that were deemed hazardous, ranging from trash, lighters, and a large quantity of peat. Peat when dried is highly flammable. During one patrol, units were also able to locate various turtle eggs on the beach of the Zancudo Trail, Lifeguards were promptly notified and they handled the incident. The operation started on May 21st and is scheduled to end on June 4th, 2022.
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Image credits: Emilia Jenkins (firefighters during a patrol)

The department was finishing up the second patrol of the Paleto Forest with the State Fire Marshals and San Andreas Park Rangers, during this, the fire department received a call for service at 21:44 regarding a structure fire located on Route 68. Units arrived on the scene at around 21:48 and confirmed a two-story barn fire. Firefighters battled challenging winds to the south which knocked down several power lines. Power was eventually shut off across Route 68 which allowed firefighters to resume firefighting operations. The fire was knocked down at 22:33 and units were released from the scene. State Fire Marshals are actively investigating the fire.
Units Dispatched: BP1, BP7, E1, E92, PR1, UT7, BC1
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Image credits: Emilia Jenkins

On Monday 30th, 2022, units patrolled the area of Col. David Collins Memorial Park during another scheduled Operation Safe Forest patrol. Brush Patrol 4 during the patrol spotted several tents and bushes on fire close to Chancy Lane. The fire was quickly spreading and the unit spotted an exploded propane tank at the campsite. More units responded to the scene and an additional Brush Patrol vehicle was deployed. Brush Patrol vehicles are specially equipped to battle large brush fires, allowing a Mobile attack where firefighters attack the brush fire along with the patrol vehicle in tandem. The Public Relations unit visited a local farm to make sure no civilians are on the property in case of an evacuation as the fire was quickly spreading in all directions. No civilians were found and the property seemed abandoned. Heavy wind was the main reason for the spread. Units were however able to control the fire and a knockdown was declared at 18:57 on the east side, followed by another knockdown on all remaining sides at 19:01. No civilians or firefighters were injured during this operation. Propane tanks and other equipment were safely secured. It is important to not leave any propane tanks, gas containers, and other flammable objects near the campsite unsecured.
Units Dispatched: BP7, BP4, E1, PR3
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Image credits: Jennifer Schneider

How to prepare for a wildfire?

Wildfires can start at the drop of a match and move swiftly and not every wildfire will spread uncontrollably. It can all start as a small bush involved in fire but the weather and terrain conditions can help with the spread. Before the season begins, it is advised to prepare yourself to protect your property and your family. Remove combustible items away from windows and walls, and put away all lawn, outdoor and wooden furniture. Dispose of dried leaves, branches, and wood outside on your property.

Strengthen your home with fire-resistant materials, renovate or make repairs. Find an outdoor water source if possible that can reach any area at your property. Remove any vegetation that might be around your home. This way, you can create a defensible area when the fire comes. This area allows the fire department to place the firefighters between the flames and your home. Without this area, the fire will quickly spread to your home and there is little that can be done to defend it.

Also, make sure to prepare an emergency kit. It is recommended to prepare an escape route so don't block the doors, windows, or other escape routes in case you're going to need them in the event of an emergency. Keep all doors and windows closed but unlocked. If you are already trapped near the wildfire, contact 911 immediately. Stay calm and follow the evacuation orders. Make sure everyone in your house knows and understands what to do in case of an evacuation. Have your documents such as ID, insurance, and personal documents in a safe place, for example, a password-secured digital space. Items can be replaced but your life can not.

We would like to thank the San Andreas Park Rangers and the State Fire Marshals for their cooperation during Operation Safe Forest. For more updates, guides and information, follow ImageLSFD Facebrowser,ImageSFM Facebrowser, ImageSAPR Facebrowser, and our Press Releases section.
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Image credits: Jennifer Schneider

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SPACER
JENNIFER SCHNEIDER
PUBLIC AFFAIRS SUPERVISOR
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HEADQUARTERS, ROCKFORD HILLS
HEAD OF DEPARTMENT LIAISONS, PUBLICATION SPECIALIST




#53643
PUBLIC AFFAIRS DIVISION
EX SENIOR LIFEGUARD
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