McClellan Air Base, Calif. May 6, 2024 – Today marked the official kickoff of the annual Wildfire Preparedness Week. CAL FIRE officials were joined by the US Forest Service, California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, California National Guard, California Highway Patrol, California Conservation Corps, and State Senator Bill Dodd in one of the hangars at McClellan Air Base.
This years’ theme is “Meeting the Mission Through Partnerships” and focuses on how state, federal and local public safety organizations are preparing for the 2024 fire year, the importance of fuel reduction and vegetation management projects, and ways the public can prepare for wildfire now through home hardening and defensible space.
“In light of the ongoing challenges and unpredictability posed by climate change, it is important that all Californians remain vigilant and adequately prepared for the forthcoming fire year, no matter where in the state you live,” said CAL FIRE Director and Fire Chief Joe Tyler. “Each resident plays a crucial role in safeguarding themselves, their loved ones, and their communities from the threat of wildfires. I encourage everyone to find the partnerships and collaborative efforts happening in your community and take steps now to prepare for wildfire.”
Chief Tyler’s comments were echoed after the press conference by Chief Deputy Director of CAL FIRE Anale Burlew and State Fire Marshal Daniel Berlant, who both started their careers in the Nevada-Yuba-Placer unit of CAL FIRE.
The backdrop for the press conference featured an array of aircraft, including the Lockheed C-130H Hercules air tankers, capable of carrying 4,000 gallons of retardant.
To learn more about wildfire safety and preparedness, visit www.ReadyForWildfire.org. Additionally, CAL FIRE continues to encourage Californians to access the Ready for Wildfire web-based app that includes local alerts, checklists for preparedness, evacuation plans, and other kits. To download the free app, visit https://plan.readyforwildfire.org/.