California Wildfires Toolkit

Wildfires

Did you know that California ecosystems have evolved with wildfires? Wildfires have shaped the landscape. California suppressed wildfires beginning in 1850 with a law that criminalized Indigenous burning. The Indigenous people knew that small burns would keep the forests clear by burning the dry debris that built up over time. After decades of dry dead shrubbery, wood, sticks, and leaves, fuel for larger wildfires built up. This active suppression of controlled burns was the direct cause of the wildfires that California has experienced year after year.

Wildfire facts:

  • California has a wildfire map– you can see where fires are burning throughout the state in real-time.
  • Check out TCI’s videos from the Our Beautiful Planet Series. Made in partnership with the National Science Teachers Association. 
  • Wildfire season has historically run from July to October, however with temperatures rising due to climate change, wildfires are happening as early as January and late as December 
  • Wildfire smoke can cause premature death, as well as a host of other issues in the lungs, heart, brain/nervous system, skin, gut, kidney, eyes, nose, and liver. It can even cause memory loss! 
  • Low-intensity prescribed burns can be quite beneficial to wildlife and California ecosystems. Destructive wildfires can scorch soil, destroying the microbes, and making it intolerable for native plants, insects, and animals to live.
  • When ash blows into bodies of water like rivers and lakes, it pollutes the water making it uninhabitable for animals, and pollutes human water sources as well.
  • Ash from wildfires is incredibly destructive. When mixed with water, it can damage the paint on your car! 

Climate Mitigation and Climate Adaptation Solutions

Climate Mitigation: Fighting Fire with Fire-Prescribed Burning as a Solution to Wildfires.Prescribed burns fall under the umbrella of a Climate Mitigation solution! Why?

Because it is a tangible action that can be implemented by the proper authorities to clear built-up dead and dried vegetation. Burning these small piles intermittently prevents forests from becoming large piles of flammable tinder that are at risk of igniting during heat waves and lightning storms. Small fires are a tool used to prevent larger wildfires and mitigate potential damage to homes, towns, ecosystems, farms and crop fields. 

NOTE: DO NOT TRY TO START A PRESCRIBED FIRE YOURSELF. This technique has been proven to be effective ONLY when done correctly, safely, and by trained professionals who know what the ideal conditions for a prescribed fire look like. Starting a fire without the proper training is DANGEROUS AND ILLEGAL.

Climate Adaption: Preparing your home and your family for wildfire season. 

Download our California Wildfire Toolkit below