There was a good turnout at the August Oracle Firewise Meeting. Photo by Tina Acosta
Oracle Fire District, Oracle Firewise and CERT members were joined by Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management and Pinal County Emergency Management to discuss several topics at the recent Oracle Firewise Meeting. Members of the community were also joined by staff from the Oracle School District and San Manuel Revitalization Coalition in attendance.
Several topics were discussed during the monthly meeting. Lessons learned during the recent fires continue to be examined. The Tri-Community area dodged a large bullet despite catastrophic losses for some in the Oracle area. All residents are encouraged to sign up for local and county emergency notification systems. Part of the programs included evacuation notifications. A great deal of information can be found online at https://www.oraclefire.org/EvacInfo.htm and https://www.pinal.gov/1335/PENS—Pinal-Emergency-Notification-Syst.
The video “Your Home Can Survive a Wildfire” was shown to those in attendance. Dr. Jack Cohen, a highly respected expert on wildfire behavior and fire science research, explains how fireproofing your home can help protect it from wildfire. A high intensity flame from a wildfire is less likely to ignite the home than “fire brands”—the hot embers that are spit from the intense flames and then deposited on flammable materials on or surrounding the home. That’s why it’s recommended you use landscaping as one of the defensive methods against wildfire. Jack shows how leaves, pine needles, and other debris from wooded areas can become easy fuel for fire brands. Fire-resistant furniture and home building materials can also help protect your home from being destroyed by a wildfire. Learn more about wildfire prevention and mitigation at www.firewise.org and www.nfpa.org/wildfire. Also visit www.disastersafety.org/wildfire for additional resources. This video can be viewed at: https://youtu.be/vL_syp1ZScM?si=LmLToeM6UbfGl20-
Pinal County Emergency Manager Kore Redden presents information to those in attendance at the August Oracle Firewise Meeting. Photo by T.C. Brown
Preparation for fires is essential in mitigating the fire risks associated with drought and dry conditions that are inherent to the desert areas we call home. Assessments can reduce the threat. “Every year, devastating wildfires burn across the United States. At the same time, a growing number of people are living where wildfires are a real risk. While these fires will continue to happen, there are things you can do to protect your home and neighborhood as well as your family’s safety. The Firewise USA® program is here to help you get started.” See https://www.nfpa.org/Education-and-Research/Wildfire/Firewise-USA for more information on the Firewise program. San Manuel Revitalization Coalition volunteers are planning on starting a program in San Manuel. More information is expected soon for this endeavor.
The Oracle Brush Dump was also discussed. The brush dump is closed presently due to dry conditions and lack of rain. The Oracle Fire District hopes to reopen this in the future. It was discussed that there have been acts of arson at the brush dump and in the local community. Residents are reminded to remain vigilant and “Say something if you see something.” Brush and other waste can be disposed of in Catalina, Dudleyville and near Florence on Deep Well Ranch Road. A list of Transfer Stations and Landfills in Pinal County can be found at https://www.pinal.gov/863/Landfill-Transfer-Stations.
Community members listened intently at the August Oracle Firewise Meeting. Photo by T.C. Brown