Wildfire Ready: What to know, how to prepare when a fire starts in California
Updated: 7:03 AM PDT Jul 12, 2024
With summer well underway, Northern California is already seeing wildfires spark easier amid hotter temperatures.In preparation, KCRA 3 has compiled a guide on how to stay safe and prepared for when a wildfire happens.Watch the full special in the video player above. You can also watch it live on Thursday at 7:30 p.m.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. —
With summer underway and hot temperatures across Northern California, the region is seeing wildfires burn.
KCRA 3 has compiled a guide on how to stay safe and prepared for when a wildfire happens.
Watch our latest Wildfire Ready special in the video player above. You can also watch it live on Thursday, July 11, at 7:30 p.m. on KCRA 3.
See below for more information on stories our weather team reported for the special involving how to protect your home, understanding why the fire danger may be elevated and how fires impact the ecosystem.
California company is leading the way in eco-friendly firefighting
One of the challenges surrounding firefighting measures is finding effective retardants and treatments that are safe for fire crews on the ground and safe for the environment.
Komodo Fire Systems in Morgan Hill, California, already has products on the market for homeowners, utility companies, as well as state and federal agencies.
Learn more from Kelly Curran.
Why is California so dry during the summer? It's all about pressure
California is known for its hot and dry summers. The rainy season is usually over by May, and skies can stay relatively dry through October, which can make for up to six months without any significant rain.
Why is California so dry during the summer? Well, it’s all about pressure.
Dirk Verdoorn explains why.
Volunteers, US Forest Service team up to help revive rare plants after Caldor and Mosquito fires
The 2021 Caldor Fire razed parts of the El Dorado National Forest in El Dorado County.
The fire’s intensity totally reshaped some areas of the once densely forested landscape.
Several years later, there is promising regrowth of grasses and larger brush, including a plant known as the Pleasant Valley Mariposa Lily.
This is one of several species that tend to flourish in the wake of a wildfire.
A group of expert volunteers with the California Native Plant Society is teaming up with the U.S. Forest Service to help preserve this rare native species.
Heather Waldman explains.
New bots help improve the health of Tahoe forests, reducing spread of wildfires
Even before the Caldor Fire, the Tahoe Fund has been investing in startups hoping to improve forest health.
"As a philanthropy, our sweet spot is let's bring that innovation to the agencies that might not be able to take the same risks that we can, so that the agencies can see it in action. We can kind of de-risk it for them in hopes that they adopt it more widely," said Caitlin Meyer, chief program officer for the Tahoe Fund.
BurnBot may be just the solution they're looking for. It promises to increase the scale and pace of fieldwork, reducing fuel for destructive wildfires.
Kelly Curran explains.
What to know about Red Flag warnings and our Fire Threat Index
There are some days when the fire risk is higher than others during wildfire season.
Eileen Javora explains what to know about red flag warnings and details our weather team's Fire Threat Index.
