Wildfire Readiness Arson Awareness Week

San Bernardino>> The devastation of wildfires can often times lead to the loss of valuable assets and an increase in health issues. Wildfires spread aggressively, damaging the surrounding area especially in areas of vast forestry. In an attempt to control this issue, San Bernardino County Fire, in cooperation with the Wrightwood Fire Safe Council and the Inland Fire Safe Alliance, is hosting a press conference on wildfire readiness and arson prevention. Beginning May 7, which is Wildfire Awareness and Arson Awareness week, the San Bernardino County Fire officials held an event to discuss topics such as how to prepare for fire season, this year’s fire outlook projection, resource availability, arson prevention and more.  The briefing included SBCoFire hand crew will give a demonstration of their firefighting skills and equipment. Through this annual event, Wildfire Awareness Week provides important information to help local communities stay informed about protecting their families and homes from wildfires and other disasters.  More than half a million wildfires are set by arsonists each year in the U.S., resulting in over $3 billion in damages (National Institute of Standards & Technology and U.S. Department of Agriculture). Each time an arsonist sets a fire, firefighters lives are put at risk. Arson fires also result in millions of dollars of damage to wildland, structures and natural resources.   The San Bernardino County communities are invited to join forces with SBCoFire and all fire agencies in spreading the message of being prepared for a wildfire. The lives of firefighters are put at risk when working to control these aggressive fires, especially during hot dry weather.  In addition to Wildfire Awareness and Arson Awareness week there are a few simple steps, referenced on www.sbcfire.org, that will ensure the safety of families and residents to prevent fires. According to the Residential Assessment Program (RAP), prevention steps listed on the San Bernardino Fire website, residents should ensure safety by instilling preventable measures inside and outside the home. This includes having the address number legible and clear in case of fire emergencies, and making sure that woodpile or fuel tanks are at least 30ft away from the home. Residents should also create a family emergency disaster plan to ensure the safety of family members. A much greater detail list can be found on the sbcfire website.