GARDEN VALLEY, Calif. — Authorities are calling for evacuations in Garden Valley as firefighters try to douse a vegetation fire.
The so-called Murphy Fire has burned 14 acres around Mt. Murphy road and Johntown Road. Cal Fire Amador-El Dorado Unit said the fire's been burning at a moderate rate of spread.
Firefighters have mitigated the threat to structures and continuing to work on containment.
Previous evacuations and road closures have been lifted.
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WILDFIRE PREPS
According to Cal Fire, in 2019, California wildfires burned just under 260,000 acres from 7,860 incidents. Over 700 structures were damaged or destroyed and three people were killed. This follower two years of some of the “deadliest and most destructive wildfires” in California history.
If you live in a wildfire-prone zone, Cal Fire suggests creating a defensible space around your home. A defensible space is an area around a building in which vegetation and other debris is completely cleared. At least 100 feet is recommended.
The Department of Homeland Security suggests assembling an emergency kit that has important documents, N95 respirator masks, supplies to grab with you if you’re forced to leave at a moment’s notice. The agency also suggests signing up for local warning system notifications and know your community’s evacuation plans to best prepare yourself and your family in cases of wildfires.
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