Scott McClean of Cal Fire speaks with UpFront on Tuesday morning about the devastating Tubbs Fire in Santa Rosa county burning across 27,000 acres. Scott is in Santa Rosa county, which is dealing with airborn fire spread in urban areas that has burnt an esitmated 15,000 structures.
Reporter Karen Argood speaks with locals impacted in the fire, who describe the home loss they’ve experienced as the result of the fire.
Chris Anthony, also from Cal Fire speaks with UpFront about the Atlas Fire in Napa County. Chris notes that California now experiences 78 additional extreme fire days, more than in previous decades.
Later Brian speaks with Bill Stewart of the Cooperation Extension Specialist in Wildland Fire, Co-Director Center for Fire Research and Outreach. Bill notes the Northern Diablo Winds and how they have helped to spread embers around the Bay Area, expanding the impact of the fires. Bill also mentions the unpredictability of wind in general, but the potential escalation in number of extreme fire days in California as Climate Change continues.
Lisa Fasano is the Communications Officer for the Bay Area Air District and works with her team to communicate air quality information to the 7 million residents of the Bay Area. She speaks with Brian about high particulate levels in the air in the North Bay and suggests that those with respiratory problems make efforts to move upwind. The East and South Bay are also impacted in terms of air quality. Lisa suggests residents visit BAAQMD.gov to check their local air quality rating.
We also hear from local listeners about how they have been personally impacted by the fires, some listeners without electricity.
Brian also details some information about transit and evacuation logistics for those attempting to leave impacted areas.
Some Important Information about the Ongoing Fires:
If you’re evacuating, DO:
- Shut off the gas to your home. Instructions Here.
- Shut off the electricity to your home.
- Crowd outside road barriers to survey damage — you’ll be impeding access by emergency vehicles.
- Launch drones to photograph the fire or damage — they interfere with emergency aircraft involved in firefighting.
To request emergency assistance: 911
Incredible! Such timely, relevant, vital coverage of the fire situation. If there’s an award for local service of this caliber, where do I nominate you guys? (Subscriber (off and on, as able) since 1973.)
Thank you Brian Eileen Everyone!