SACRAMENTO COUNTY, Calif. — California’s fire season is ramping up and the work to prevent wildfires is ongoing.
The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District, CAL FIRE and partnering agencies conducted a controlled burn in Sacramento County Friday.
Residents nearby may have seen the smoke above the Illa M. Collin Conservation Preserve in Mather. The burn is part of an operation by Sacramento Metro Fire to reduce invasive grasses and other dense vegetation that could create a fire danger for nearby communities.
"This area has had a history of fires, whether that's from people lighting fireworks or dumping illegal waste or just some of the other activities out here that has started that," said Sacramento Metro Fire Battalion Chief Chris Vestal.
Sacramento Metro Fire completed the burn as part of a vegetation management plan Friday afternoon.
The controlled burn helps get rid of invasive plants that more susceptible to fire and are not native to the local wildlife.
"Aside from restoring it to its natural habitat, which will make it more resilient to wildfire, it will also remove that fuel during the most dangerous part of the year as we lead up into the hottest and driest months of the summer," Vestal said.
Sacramento Metro Fire stressed the importance of Californians being prepared for wildfires during this season.
"Make sure you do your defensible space and weed abatement, clear any combustibles away from your home; think about other things that are combustible that may not be so obvious, like lawn furniture, garbage cans, barbecues, move those away," Vestal said.
In addition to preparing your home, make sure you and your family are ready to evacuate in the event of a wildfire. You can create a 'go bag' with food, water, emergency supplies and important documents. Also, make sure you know at least two evacuation routes. Make plans for your pets and any medical needs as well.
Find more information about how you can be prepared for wildfires and protect your home HERE.
