Top Causes of Wildfires & How To Prevent Them
California residents have become all too familiar with the state’s notorious wildfire season. With the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires, homeowners may question the causes and impact of these natural disasters, as well as ways to prevent and protect their homes and state.
How Do Wildfires Start?
With 15,800 fires statewide since 2020, it’s important to understand how these California wildfires start. Accidental and intentional human activities account for 95% of these fires. Human-caused ignitions include:
- Unattended campfires
- Equipment use or malfunction
- Burning of debris
- Fireworks
- Carelessly discarded cigarettes
- Car fires or blown tires
- Arson
Especially during fire season, Californians can’t afford to be negligent. After many years of drought, much of California’s landscape is filled with dry grasses, shrubs, and trees, all of which act as fuel due to their lack of moisture. During the fire season, temperatures are high, and after many months without rain, the terrain is susceptible to serious spreading of wildfires.
The Impact of Wildfires
The effects of these wildfires can be devastating. With 12 of the top 20 largest fires occurring in the last five years, about 4% of California’s total area has been burned, and more than 40,000 homes, businesses, and pieces of infrastructure have been destroyed. This widespread burning seriously impacts natural resources and biodiversity by eliminating native vegetation and allowing non-native invasive species to thrive.
Effective Prevention Strategies
Protecting your home and property from wildfire is a priority. California residents can harden their homes to the risk of wildfire using fire-resistant building materials. These materials help defend against embers that spread through wind and cause wildfires to rage out of control. Fire-resistant materials are especially important for roofs, siding, porches, and decks. We also recommend preparing for fire season with regular home maintenance.
It’s also critical to use caution when visiting wildlands and always be mindful of fire risks; this includes taking extra care to properly set up and put out campfires, especially during increased heat and winds. We recommend checking local fire restrictions and being mindful of drought conditions.
Choose Foothill Fire for Your Wildfire Prevention Needs
To help protect our state and communities from the devastating impact of wildfires, Californians must come together to help prevent fire and stay informed about policies and local resources to mitigate wildfire risks in the area. With humans causing almost all California wildfires, it’s critical to understand how fires start and how to prevent them.
To prepare your home for wildfire season and keep your family and neighborhood safe, consider fire protection services from Foothill Fire Protection. From fire alarm systems to sprinklers, we offer various options to help protect your property from fire and reduce the likelihood of devastating spread. At Foothill Fire Protection, we prioritize our clients’ needs and safety. With our innovative fire protection solutions, you can have peace of mind that your home is safe from California wildfires.
Don’t delay! Call Foothill Fire Protection to schedule fire protection services for your Northern California home at (916) 663-3582.
