![\"Cambridge-Mask-Wildfire\"](\"https:\/\/mk0cambridgemasux4rl.kinstacdn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Cambridgemask-Wildfire.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\r\nWhat is wildfire?<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nA\u00a0wildfire<\/a>\u00a0is an uncontrolled fire. Wildfires can burn millions of acres of land at shockingly fast speeds, consuming everything in their paths.<\/p>\r\nWildfires<\/a>\u00a0often burn in rural environments and can destroy forests, grasslands, and more but they can quickly enter populated areas and cause catastrophic damage to buildings and infrastructure. Ground fires typically ignite in soil thick with organic matter that can feed the flames, like plant roots. Ground fires can smolder for a long time even an entire season causing a significant increase in air pollution. Surface fires, on the other hand, burn-in dead or dry vegetation that is lying or growing just above the ground. Parched grass or fallen leaves often fuel surface fires.<\/p>\r\nOver the years, California and areas of Western USA have been badly affected by various types of wildfire. Wildfires often start via natural occurrences like lightning, but they are sometimes started by human activity, intentionally and unintentionally. The growth of wildfire is normally determined by conditions and these can include droughts, high winds, and hot temperatures. When leaves, trees, and shrubs are all dried out, they become a catalyst of fuel for wildfire.<\/p>\r\n
Tips on Staying Safe during Wildfire<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nIf you live in an area where wildfire is likely to break out, it is essential to have a plan in place. Make sure you have access to a garden hose and put a supplies kit together. This can include items like filtered-masks, first aid kits, protective clothing, a means of communication, water, tinned food, and a torch. If you are told to evacuate do this right away. Lock your windows and doors and make sure someone knows where you are going if you have to leave. Make sure the route that you take is clear of fire hazards. Once the wildfire has come to a close, keep away from wildfire areas until you have been advised it is safe to approach them.<\/p>\r\n
There are a few steps that you need to take for this preparation. United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) has categorized these into two types of preparation, \u2018Before Wildfire\u2019 and \u2018During Wildfire\u2019. It is important to get your emergency kits ready (stock out medication, air cleaner, respirators) and know how you will get alerts (e.g social media information on high fire risk or an active fire).<\/p>\r\n
How to Keep Up with Wildfire Updates in California<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nIt is essential to keep up with the latest developments during a Californian wildfire. The California Government website includes\u00a0a list of county hotlines<\/a>\u00a0that you can call for advice, support, and updates. Check\u00a0online<\/a>\u00a0to see the latest\u00a0wildfire maps<\/a>\u00a0and smoke maps to maintain your safety during a wildfire.<\/p>\r\nWhat are the Hotspot Areas Most Affected?<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nMany of the fires were caused by August\u2019s lightning strikes, though dry conditions and warm temperatures have also been blamed.\u00a0A state of emergency was declared in August<\/a>\u00a0as fires have raged across California and Oregon. Some of the worst-affected areas have included Ashland, Talent, and Phoenix. As a result, California, Washington, and Oregon have seen some of the lowest levels of air quality currently in the world.![\"Cambridge_Mask_wildfire_smoke_map_calfire\"](\"https:\/\/mk0cambridgemasux4rl.kinstacdn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Cambridge_Mask_wildfire_smoke_map_calfire-1024x576.png\")
<\/a><\/p>\r\nSOURCE: FIRE.CA.GOV<\/h6>\r\nThe Importance of Wearing a Mask during Wildfire<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nIf you live in an area where wildfire smoke happens, it is important to take a few\u00a0steps<\/a>\u00a0to prepare for the fire season. This preparation is important especially for children, elders, and people with heart or lung disease.<\/p>\r\n
Wildfires<\/a>\u00a0often burn in rural environments and can destroy forests, grasslands, and more but they can quickly enter populated areas and cause catastrophic damage to buildings and infrastructure. Ground fires typically ignite in soil thick with organic matter that can feed the flames, like plant roots. Ground fires can smolder for a long time even an entire season causing a significant increase in air pollution. Surface fires, on the other hand, burn-in dead or dry vegetation that is lying or growing just above the ground. Parched grass or fallen leaves often fuel surface fires.<\/p>\r\n Over the years, California and areas of Western USA have been badly affected by various types of wildfire. Wildfires often start via natural occurrences like lightning, but they are sometimes started by human activity, intentionally and unintentionally. The growth of wildfire is normally determined by conditions and these can include droughts, high winds, and hot temperatures. When leaves, trees, and shrubs are all dried out, they become a catalyst of fuel for wildfire.<\/p>\r\n If you live in an area where wildfire is likely to break out, it is essential to have a plan in place. Make sure you have access to a garden hose and put a supplies kit together. This can include items like filtered-masks, first aid kits, protective clothing, a means of communication, water, tinned food, and a torch. If you are told to evacuate do this right away. Lock your windows and doors and make sure someone knows where you are going if you have to leave. Make sure the route that you take is clear of fire hazards. Once the wildfire has come to a close, keep away from wildfire areas until you have been advised it is safe to approach them.<\/p>\r\n There are a few steps that you need to take for this preparation. United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) has categorized these into two types of preparation, \u2018Before Wildfire\u2019 and \u2018During Wildfire\u2019. It is important to get your emergency kits ready (stock out medication, air cleaner, respirators) and know how you will get alerts (e.g social media information on high fire risk or an active fire).<\/p>\r\n It is essential to keep up with the latest developments during a Californian wildfire. The California Government website includes\u00a0a list of county hotlines<\/a>\u00a0that you can call for advice, support, and updates. Check\u00a0online<\/a>\u00a0to see the latest\u00a0wildfire maps<\/a>\u00a0and smoke maps to maintain your safety during a wildfire.<\/p>\r\n Many of the fires were caused by August\u2019s lightning strikes, though dry conditions and warm temperatures have also been blamed.\u00a0A state of emergency was declared in August<\/a>\u00a0as fires have raged across California and Oregon. Some of the worst-affected areas have included Ashland, Talent, and Phoenix. As a result, California, Washington, and Oregon have seen some of the lowest levels of air quality currently in the world. If you live in an area where wildfire smoke happens, it is important to take a few\u00a0steps<\/a>\u00a0to prepare for the fire season. This preparation is important especially for children, elders, and people with heart or lung disease.<\/p>\r\nTips on Staying Safe during Wildfire<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n
How to Keep Up with Wildfire Updates in California<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n
What are the Hotspot Areas Most Affected?<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n
<\/a><\/p>\r\nSOURCE: FIRE.CA.GOV<\/h6>\r\n
The Importance of Wearing a Mask during Wildfire<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n