Ventura County Fire Department Releases New Publication on Wildfire Preparedness

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November 2011

The Ventura County Fire Department has released a new publication designed to help agricultural operations prepare against wildfires. The new brochure is an extension of the department's award-winning "Ready, Set, Go!" program.

"The new brochure is intended specifically for farmers, ranchers and growers in Ventura County," said Fire Chief Bob Roper. "Agriculture is a key component in the county's economy and wildfire is a major threat to these operations. Most of our agricultural properties are located immediately adjacent to natural vegetation or within a mile of it, the area we call the Ember Zone. This brochure will give farmers, ranchers, livestock operators and growers in those areas the information they need to help protect their homes and businesses against wildfires."

The brochure includes information on how to create defensible space, maintain fire roads and fire breaks, mark buildings and water supplies, upgrade bridges and clear agricultural property of material that provides an environment susceptible to ember intrusion.

"When we have a major wildfire in the county, there just aren't enough fire engines to have one everywhere," said Roper. "We're asking the agricultural community to do their part to help protect their assets. Usually, this won't take a lot of extra work or expense. It could be as simple as re-evaluating grazing patterns to create defensible space near ranch buildings, or clearing orchards of tree litter and leaves that can carry a fire into a grove."

The new publication, Ready, Set, Go! for Farmers, Ranchers and Growers, is endorsed by the Farm Bureau of Ventura County, the Ventura County Cattlemen's Association and the Central Ventura County FireSafe Council. It is available at all Ventura County fire stations, the Farm Bureau office and online at: http://vcreadysetgo.org.



Author:Ventura County Fire Prot. Dist. Press Release