Raging WildFire? ~ Get Your Go Bag Ready and Ranches Practice Large Animal Evacuation

Raging WildFire? Are You and Your Family Prepared? Ranchers can look to LAEG

What would happen if there were a tree crown fire in El Granada, Moss Beach, Montara or Pacifica, or Skyline?

It has never happened, yet. Luckily, the distance between the ground vegetation and the crown has always allowed ground fires to be put out before reaching the crown of the trees. But this year, there is a LOT of ground-vegetation. It is more important than ever that we prepare. Generally, most residents must consider 100 feet defensible space preparation around each house.

~ Michelle Dragony, CERT Trainer (Community Emergency Response Team)

Residents

Things to think about this fire season:

SIGN UP FOR SMC Alert today. Have everyone you know do the same. The cell towers may burn, but in case they don’t, this is the best way to keep up with what is a fast-moving and quickly-changing situation.
Second Story Escape: Do you have a way to get down from a second story, if the fire is on the lower floor?
Have a go bag in your car all the times. Decide if leaving the car in the garage, driveway or street depending on what is best for your situation. If you are away from home, you may not be able to get back home. Glasses, Meds, food bars, water, cards, blankets, extra set of clothes, diapers. Much of this you will have with you already, but be aware when you leave the house what you have, and don’t have.
Have Home Go Boxes for the car. Decide what you would want to take if you were awakened by an evacuation knock on the door ~ you have 5 minutes, maybe less.
Never have less than half a tank of gas in your car at any time. Power out, so is gas pump. Even if there is power, it is in your best interest to get out quickly.
DEFENSIBLE SPACE. Landlords, tenants and vacant lot owners must work together. Vacant lots with weeds could provide enough fuel, especially with wind, to set every house on its perimeter alight. 100 feet of safety. Go around and inform neighbors, they may not know! Or they may no be able to wack the weeds and may need help. It in everyone’s interest to create defensible space.

Ranchers

The LAEG (Large Animal Evacuation Group) holds an evacuation workshop and drill every spring.

This yearly workshop, held at Robin Camozzi’s horse boarding ranch, Ember Ridge, is always very educational. Cal Fire’s Moss Beach engine company participated again this year. The workshop covered basic large animal handling (horse, steer, and goats/llamas) with hands-on practice in haltering, herding, handling, and trailer loading (horse only).