"I'm in the insurance industry, and the lush green hillsides also give me pause every year, as I know that this seasonal cycle doesn't end when spring arrives. What begins as healthy winter growth will quickly become dry vegetation by late spring and summer, particularly in our hillside areas. Without preparation, that same greenery can become dangerous fuel, increasing the risk of wildfires during dry and windy conditions."
"Taking simple steps early, while the ground is still damp and conditions are safer, can make a meaningful difference later in the year. Clearing leaves from gutters and yards, removing excess brush and maintaining defensible space around homes all help reduce the potential for fire spread, consistent with guidance from our fire authorities. This includes trimming back plants near structures, properly disposing of yard and hazardous waste, removing ladder fuel in wooded areas and ensuring that evacuation routes and driveways remain clear."
January begins the city budget cycle and a time to set priorities for services, infrastructure, public safety, and emergency preparedness. Winter storms replenish hillsides and open spaces, producing lush growth that sustains the local environment. That winter growth commonly dries by late spring and summer, becoming hazardous fuel on hillsides and raising wildfire risk during dry, windy conditions. Early, proactive actions reduce later hazards: clear gutters and yards, remove excess brush, maintain defensible space, trim plants near structures, dispose of yard and hazardous waste, remove ladder fuel, and keep evacuation routes and driveways clear.
Read at The Mercury News
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