Facebook
X (Twitter)
Reddit
Pinterest
Tumblr
LinkedInPosts Tagged: A
UC ANR Fire Network shares resources on reducing impacts of wildfire, smoke
Fire advisors offer guidance on minimizing damage, preparing for evacuation, protecting against smoke
With exceptionally dry conditions persisting in many parts of California, residents should double their efforts to prepare homes, families, businesses and communities for potential wildfire and smoke impacts, according to University of California fire experts.
“Even as firefighters make progress in containing the Los Angeles-area fires, communities must continue to be vigilant across Southern California and other regions that are experiencing this historically dry ‘wet season,'” said Lenya Quinn-Davidson, director of UC Agriculture and Natural Resources' Fire Network.
The Fire Network is a team of UC Cooperative Extension fire and natural resource advisors, specialists and staff who deliver fire-related research, outreach, and support for communities across the state.
The experts have assembled a website with a wide range of relevant resources at ucanr.edu/fire. Quinn-Davidson said the “Wildfire Preparedness” page contains essential information on how to protect homes and property from fire: https://ucanr.edu/sites/fire/Preparedness.
“There are many small but significant tasks that people can complete to shore up potential danger spots and minimize fire damage,” she emphasized.
Experts highlight six things to do before evacuating
For communities where evacuation warnings have been issued, Quinn-Davidson and other members of the Fire Network urge residents to do six key things in advance of an actual evacuation order.
- Close windows, fireplace screens, pet doors and skylights.
- Move inside patio cushions, brooms and door mats; tie open wooden gates that attach to the house or deck to prevent a fire from traveling from the fence to the house.
- Relocate any propane tanks away from the home.
- Stage buckets of water and garden hoses in visible locations.
- Dress for evacuation: long sleeve cotton clothes, sturdy shoes, hat and face protection and leather gloves.
- Put your “go-bag” in your vehicle and share your evacuation plans with out-of-area family or friends.
The UC ANR Fire Network website also includes downloadable checklists – in English and Spanish – for your go-bag (https://ucanr.edu/sites/fire/Safety/Evacuation/Preparing_a_Go-Bag/) and for a host of important pre-evacuation tasks for your household, property, pets and livestock (https://ucanr.edu/sites/fire/Safety/Evacuation/).
“These actions can make a tremendous difference when preparing for wildfire, even just hours before evacuation,” Quinn-Davidson said.
Take precautions to protect yourself from smoke
During wildfire events, smoke from nearby fires can blanket nearby areas. A primer on harmful health effects, a list of tips for reducing smoke exposure, and other resources and links can be found on the UC ANR Fire Network site: https://ucanr.edu/sites/fire/Safety/Air_Quality_and_Smoke/.
“It's important to monitor your local air quality so you can mitigate smoke impacts,” said Katie Low, statewide coordinator for UC ANR's Fire Network. “One go-to resource is fire.airnow.gov. If the AQI – Air Quality Index – is high, I would limit my outdoor activity, wear an N95 mask if I do go outside, and run my air purifier.”
For instructions on making a DIY air cleaner, creating a “clean air space” in your home and fitting an N95 mask properly, visit the California Air Resources Board's “Smoke Ready California” page: https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/smokereadyca.
A wildfire can also contaminate drinking water to an extent beyond what boiling can remedy; residents should check with their local water department or district for any advisories.
Another useful tool is the crowd-sourced #FireMappers fire activity map – powered by the National Alliance for Public Safety GIS Foundation, GISCorps, and CEDR Digital – accessible through the UC ANR Fire Network site: https://ucanr.edu/sites/fire/Safety/Current/.
Media Resources
Lenya Quinn-Davidson: lquinndavidson@ucanr.edu; (707) 272-0637
Katie Low: katlow@ucanr.edu; (530) 889-7385
Best Practices for Using Glufosinate in Hops
Reposted from the "Weeders of the West" blog with author's permission. Marcelo Moretti summary of...
No Bumble Bee Winner Yet
Update: No bumble bee winner yet. No announcements as of today regarding the winner of the...
Distinguished emeritus professor of entomology, Robbin Thorp (Aug. 26, 1933-June 7, 2019), detected more than 80 species of bees in the garden. This image was taken in April 2011. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
Stinknet spreads because it’s a difficult weed
Stinknet (Oncosiphon pilulifer) is an annual weed spreading aggressively in the southwestern US....
California Plant and Soil Conference, February 6 and 7
Happy New Year everyone! Looks like the year has come out storming with a lot to do and events to attend.
The big UCCE Annual Strawberry Production Research meeting is to take place February 12 at the County Fairgrounds in Santa Cruz County, I'll be posting the agenda for that quite soon.
In the meantime, there is also another high quality meeting to consider attending. This is the CA Plant and Soil Conference taking place this coming February 6 and 7, the press release I have here:
PRESS RELEASE: CA Plant and Soil Conference takes place on February 6-7, 2025
The 2025 California Plant and Soil Conference will be held on February 6-7 at the Wyndham Visalia. The conference is organized by the California Chapter of the American Society of Agronomy (CA ASA). Registration is now open through the conference website (https://na.eventscloud.com/plantandsoilconference).
The annual conference provides an opportunity for students, professionals, and other attendees to increase their knowledge of current topics of agronomic importance in California. Many Certified Crop Advisers and Pest Control Advisers attend the conference to earn continuing education units that are important to their professional standing.
This year's conference will convene sessions covering the following topics:
· The State of California Agriculture in 2025 and Beyond
· IPM & pollinators
· Nutrient Management
· Soil Health & Disease Suppressing Soil
· Emerging Voices Panel: Behind the Science Look at Agronomy
· Integrating Water and Nutrient Management
· Using Data on the Farm
· Groundwater Scarcity and Water Quality
· Regenerative Agriculture
· Evolution of Pest Management in California
In addition to presentations on these topics, there will be an award ceremony to honor individuals who served the profession through their careers, a student poster competition, non-competitive professional posters, a student mentoring breakfast, and the CA ASA business meeting. Sponsorship opportunities are available to support student participation; please see the conference website for more information https://na.eventscloud.com/website/58588/sponsors
