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Preparedness Helps Homesteads Facing Wildfires in the West
Most residents who were able to prepare for the wildfire by creating a 30-foot parameter were spared
Jennifer Liewer, Special to RedCross.org
Monday, July 17, 2006 — PIONEERTOWN, Calif.—For decades the small community of Pioneertown in southeastern California has been known for its roles in Hollywood films, serving as the location for many famous westerns. Recently, this small tight-knit community was thrust into the national spotlight for more unfortunate circumstances—the “Sawtooth Complex” wildfire.
In Pioneertown, Calif., where some 50 homes were destroyed, most residents who prepared by creating a 30-foot perimeter around their house returned to find their home still standing.
(Photo Credit: Jennifer Liewer/American Red Cross)
Audio Available [MP3] (Credit: Rita Rich) |
The wildfire swept through the small town on Tuesday, July 11, leaving a path of charred remains in its wake—destroying homes, cars and historic movie memorabilia.
Ignited by lightning just a couple days earlier, the wildfire moved fast and furiously across the hilly, arid terrain. Residents had little time to evacuate and many left their homes with just the clothes on their back.
Many sought refuge at an American Red Cross shelter at the Yucca Valley High School. Red Cross volunteers welcomed the evacuees with food, water, clothing and a safe place to sleep.
After several days, the residents of Pioneertown were allowed to return home, but sadly some families had no home to return to.
While many residents were spared, others were not so lucky. Having evacuated with little more than the clothes on their backs, some residents returned after the evacuation order was lifted to find their homes decimated by the fire.
(Photo Credit: Jennifer Liewer/American Red Cross)
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In a town where some 50 homes were destroyed, most residents who created a 30-foot perimeter around their house returned to find their home still standing.
The Red Cross works in and with communities across the country encouraging families in wildfire-prone areas to take preventative measures to protect themselves.
If you are in an area threatened by wild fires there are several steps that you and your family can take to ensure your personal safety and minimize and possibly prevent damage to your property:
- If you are warned that a wildfire is threatening your area, listen to your battery-operated radio for reports and evacuation information. Follow the instructions of local officials.
- Back your car into the garage or park it in an open space facing the direction of escape. Shut doors and roll up windows. Leave the key in the ignition. Close garage windows and doors, but leave them unlocked. Disconnect automatic garage door openers.
- Confine pets to one room. Make plans to care for your pets in case you must evacuate.
- Arrange temporary housing at a friend or relative's home outside the threatened area.
If advised to evacuate, do so immediately…
- Wear protective clothing—sturdy shoes, cotton or woolen clothing, long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, gloves and use a handkerchief to protect your face.
- Take your disaster supplies kit.
- Lock your home.
- Tell someone that you are leaving and where you are going.
- Choose a route away from fire hazards.
- Watch for changes in the speed and direction of fire and smoke.
This town’s story, like too many others, is repeated throughout the western United States during the summer wildfire season. Even when all precautions are taken, severe damage may be unavoidable and inevitable. By being well informed and following evacuation orders, taking steps to prepare ahead of time and keeping a watchful eye, residents stand a better chance of keeping themselves, their families and possibly even their valued possessions safe when wildfires rage.
For additional information on staying safe when a wildfire threatens, visit “Wildfire Safety” in the “Get Prepared” section of the Red Cross national Web site, RedCross.org or contact your local Red Cross chapter.
All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. You can help the victims of thousands of disasters across the country each year, disasters like the Midwest ice storms, by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, which enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to victims of disaster. The American Red Cross honors donor intent. If you wish to designate your donation to a specific disaster please do so at the time of your donation. Call 1-800-REDCROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P. O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org.
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