Approximately 95% of wildfires in California are caused by human activities. This includes a variety of factors like carelessness, recklessness, and intentional arson. Arson accounts for a significant portion of human-caused fires.

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

Human-caused: 95% of all wildfires in California.
Arson: A significant portion of human-caused fires, though the exact percentage varies by year. Some sources cite around 10%, while others put it closer to 15%.
Natural causes: Lightning strikes and other natural occurrences account for the remaining 5% of wildfire ignitions.

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Without Warning Wildfire comic book for youth

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Wildfire Preparedness Tips

Making your property wildfire-ready involves year-round maintenance. Each season brings different tasks to help reduce wildfire risk, from managing vegetation to strategic tree planting and removal. See what you can do season-by-season to protect your property below.

Winter: Dormant season maintenance

Tree assessment: Inspect your property for dead or diseased trees.
Tree removal: Winter is ideal for removing hazardous trees and underbrush, weather permitting.
Tree trimming: Increase vertical clearance by trimming trees. If winter conditions prevent this, plan for spring action.
Spring planning: If you intend to plant trees, choose locally native species and plan their locations.

Spring: Preparing for dry conditions

Defensible space: Clear dead vegetation and create a buffer zone around your home.
Pest management: Remove trees affected by pests to prevent spread. Be mindful of insect activity that increases in summer.
Wood disposal: Remove or cover cut wood to avoid attracting beetles and other pests. Keep it away from healthy trees.
Tree watering: In dry periods, water valuable trees sparingly, following best practices.
Tree planting: Spring is a good time to plant new trees, provided there’s enough water.

Summer: Peak wildfire season vigilance

Ongoing removal: Continue removing dead or unhealthy trees.
Pest watch: Monitor for tree pest activity, which peaks in summer.
Fire safety: Exercise extreme caution with outdoor equipment to prevent sparks.
Fall planting prep: Plan for fall tree planting, focusing on native species.

Fall: Pre-rainfall tree care

Optimal planting time: Plant new trees when cooler temperatures and fall rains improve soil moisture.
Underbrush clearance: Remove dead trees and dense underbrush to reduce wildfire fuel.
Selective watering: Water valuable trees only if rainfall is below average. Overwatering can be harmful.

About public safety power shutoff (PSPS) events

A PSPS is when electric companies turn off power on purpose. This usually happens during very dry and windy weather to help prevent wildfires. The idea is to stop sparks from power lines or electrical equipment from starting a fire.

For more info on PSPS events in California, especially from major electric companies, check out these resources:

Create your Wildfire Action Plan

Developing a well-thought-out Wildfire Action Plan is crucial for every household. Tailor your plan to address specific family needs and situations, ensuring everyone is well-prepared ahead of a wildfire.

Your Wildfire Action Plan should include:

Meeting point: A predetermined meeting location outside high-risk areas to determine who has evacuated from the affected area.
Escape routes: Several escape routes, known to all in your household. Practice these often so everyone in your family knows where to go.
Animal arrangements: Specific arrangements for pets and larger animals, like horses and other livestock.
Communication plan: A family communication strategy names someone outside the area to be the main contact point for all family members if you get separated or have trouble with phone networks.

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