Governor Gavin Newsom Declares May 5-11 ‘Wildfire Preparedness Week’
Thousands of wildfires strike California every year, many outside of what was traditionally considered “fire season.” Years of drought have resulted in tinder-dry landscapes and 18 million dead trees across the state, which prompted California Governor Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency in March 2019, and this coming week as “Wildfire Preparedness Week.” Residents, especially those living in fire-prone areas, have an important role in preventing loss of life and property from wildfire events. While California’s government has taken critical steps to fight back against wildfire, all Californians must do their part to help protect our natural resources—and ourselves.
The latest issue of DCA’s award-winning magazine, Consumer Connection, highlights how to prepare for wildfire. You’ll read about what to do if your home is in an at-risk area, how to take 
steps to “harden” your property against wildfire, what government is doing to fight back against devastating wildfire, and where to go for critical resources.
Every year during the first week of May, Cal Fire launches a campaign to remind Californians of ways to protect their property and prepare for wildfire (see the list below of educational events the public can attend). Additional resources can be found at www.readyforwildfire.org. The site offers tips for residents to make their homes more resistant to wildfires and to ensure that their families are ready to evacuate early and safely when a wildfire strikes.
For more information, visit www.calfire.ca.gov. Visit the “Consumer Connection Magazine” page to access the latest issue and archives, and to sign up for email notifications.
