There are different natural disasters that befall the US that damage and destroy structures. In addition to wildfires, there are hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes. Those are somewhat regional in extent. Communities prepare for their perceived risks with policies and infrastructure. There is a balance between preparation for a risk and all the other pressing needs of society. For example, it would be unwise and unpopular for California to institute a draft to have a very large firefighting force available, just in case. You wouldn't want to build a 20-foot sea wall across Miami Beach, just in case.
By the way, a nice touch in the coverage is the automatic overlay of roads on live video from helicopters. I wish they also put a North indicator, and preferably an inset to show where the scene is in a wider view.
If you aren't aware, you can look at the permanent wildfire cams.
I thought the Cal Fire site map showed air resources, but I don't see it updating. You can look at the general aircraft maps such as PlaneFinder to see the aircraft as they move around.
It struck me that I didn't know how fire retardant works. Wikipedia helped on that. Interestingly, there are products that homeowners could use to try to protect their property.
I'm going to think about what I'd grab to take with me... if I have 5 minutes, 15 minutes, or 15 hours to evacuate. I was also reminded to take a video of the contents & exterior of my house (and store it offsite).
Cal Fire has a nice pamphlet showing the various aircraft they use (14 types of fixed wing aircraft and 19 kinds of helicopters).
By the way, a nice touch in the coverage is the automatic overlay of roads on live video from helicopters. I wish they also put a North indicator, and preferably an inset to show where the scene is in a wider view.
If you aren't aware, you can look at the permanent wildfire cams.
I thought the Cal Fire site map showed air resources, but I don't see it updating. You can look at the general aircraft maps such as PlaneFinder to see the aircraft as they move around.
It struck me that I didn't know how fire retardant works. Wikipedia helped on that. Interestingly, there are products that homeowners could use to try to protect their property.
Quote:Phos-Chek also has a consumer-based fire retardant spray called Wildfire Home Defense that is effective immediately after application and that remains effective until it is washed off with heavy water levels. It is designed to be applied to fuel beds around homes and outbuildings to create a firebreak in the fuels leading up to each structure.
Ember Bloc is another consumer-based fire retardant gel that can be applied to the exterior of one's house and nearby structures to help protect against both embers and flames in a wildfire. It has a unique ability to cling onto the side of a house to withstand high heat and windy conditions
I'm going to think about what I'd grab to take with me... if I have 5 minutes, 15 minutes, or 15 hours to evacuate. I was also reminded to take a video of the contents & exterior of my house (and store it offsite).
Cal Fire has a nice pamphlet showing the various aircraft they use (14 types of fixed wing aircraft and 19 kinds of helicopters).