Dixie Fire: Know Your Zone, Petaluma Police Warn

PETALUMA, CA — Disasters can strike at any second. If it did, would you be ready? While the Dixie fire is far from home, Petaluma residents have lived through enough fire seasons to know how quickly fires can spread.

To date, the Dixie fire has become one of the most destructive in state history, and it is currently the largest wildfire burning in the U.S. This fire, however, is just one of 11 burning across California.

As these fires burn throughout the state, the Petaluma Police Department is using those fires as an opportunity to remind residents of how important it is to be prepared for emergencies as the area moves deeper into fire season.

California has averaged 4,720 wildfires over a five-year period. Those wildfires are responsible for burning 435,623 acres, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Damage to property and even loss of life is without question devastating - but sometimes can be prevented or minimized if residents take the proper precautions.

To help residents prep for disasters, police encourage people to utilize Sonoma County's county-wide evacuation maps, which are used to help identify areas that are under threat either by fire, flood, earthquake or power outage.

This map includes zones for areas inside Petaluma as well as areas in other cities and unincorporated county areas. It also indicates any current evacuation warnings or orders. To view the interactive map, visit this link.

"Please find your location and make note of your zone. This is essential information if evacuation warnings and orders are issued," the police department said in a Facebook post recently.

Keeping up with local alerts is also crucial during an emergency. The police department encourages residents to sign up for them at this link.

Before a wildfire has an opportunity to threaten your area, the National Fire Protection Association offers these tips:

• Clear leaves and other debris from gutters, eaves, porches and decks. This prevents embers from igniting your home.
• Remove dead vegetation and other items from under your deck or porch, and within 10 feet of the house. Learn more about the basics of defensible space on the Firewise website.
• Screen or box-in areas below patios and decks with wire mesh to prevent debris and combustible materials from accumulating.
• Remove flammable materials (firewood stacks, propane tanks) within 30 feet of your home’s foundation and outbuildings, including garages and sheds. If it can catch fire, don’t let it touch your house, deck or porch.
• Wildfire can spread to tree tops. Prune trees so the lowest branches are 6 to 10 feet from the ground.
• Keep your lawn hydrated and maintained. If it is brown, cut it down to reduce fire intensity. Dry grass and shrubs are fuel for wildfire.
• Don’t let debris and lawn cuttings linger. Dispose of these items quickly to reduce fuel for fire.
• Inspect shingles or roof tiles. Replace or repair those that are loose or missing to prevent ember penetration.
• Cover exterior attic vents with metal wire mesh no larger than 1/8 inch to prevent sparks from entering the home.
• Enclose under-eave and soffit vents or screens with metal mesh to prevent ember entry.
• Learn more about how to protect your home and property at www.firewise.org.