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Cal Fire pushes wildfire preparedness as spring heats up

Posted at 7:31 AM, May 05, 2019
and last updated 2019-05-05 10:32:25-04

SAN DIEGO (KGTV) -- Cal Fire is urging Californians to prepare for wildfires as the agency pushed its messaging during “Wildfire Preparedness Week.”

Californian’s need to accept fire as part of our natural landscape, understand the fire risk, and take action before a wildfire starts,” the agency said.

In a news release, the agency said residents should use fire-safe construction materials, look for points of entry where embers could enter their homes and create defensible space by clearing at least 100-feet of vegetation around their homes.

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“Our firefighters have been preparing non-stop for the inevitable fires that will happen this year. However, preparation involves all levels of the community, from first responders to the general public,” said Chief Thom Porter, Cal Fire Director.

The agency recently identified 35 priority fuel reduction projects that cover 90,000 acres. When complete, the agency says the efforts will protect more than 200 of California’s most vulnerable communities.

Wildfire Preparedness Week lasts from May 5 through May 11.