The California Fire Foundation is urging residents to protect homes, families, and communities by preparing early, with helpful information available at FirefightersOnYourSide.org

As the month of June unfolds, rising temperatures, dry vegetation, and shrinking moisture levels have already increased wildfire danger across much of the state. What was once considered a seasonal threat has now become a year-round reality for many California communities, and fire officials are urging residents to prepare before conditions worsen deeper into summer.

Following a warmer-than-average spring and below-normal snowpack in key regions of the Sierra Nevada, vegetation has dried out earlier than usual. The Sierra snowpack, which typically supplies nearly one-third of California’s water, plays a critical role in keeping grasses, brush, and forests hydrated into the warmer months. This year, rapid snowmelt and prolonged dry conditions contributed to increasingly receptive fire fuels statewide.

For firefighters, this is a clear signal. Authorities indicate the state is likely heading into a season where resources may be stretched thin, and rapid initial attack will be critical. For the public, it is a reminder that wildfire preparedness cannot wait until smoke is already in the air.

Tips Around The Home

Wildfire preparedness starts at home. To create defensible space, residents should make the first five feet around the structure of a home (known as “Zone 0”) as fire-resistant as possible. While it may not sound like much, it is one of the most critical defensible spaces for protecting homes from wildfires. That means keeping the area free of anything flammable, including dry plants, mulch, firewood stacks, wooden furniture, and even fences that connect directly to the home.

Hardening your home does not always require costly upgrades. Simple actions can make a significant difference, including:

Use gravel, pavers, or concrete instead of combustible mulch;

Clear dead weeds, grass, and debris; regularly check roofs, gutters, and outdoor areas;

Keep branches trimmed at least 10 feet away from chimneys and stovepipes;

Minimize combustible items like furniture and planters on decks and patios;

Move firewood and lumber piles to Zone 2 for added safety;

Replace combustible fencing and gates with fire-resistant materials;

Relocate garbage and recycling containers outside this zone;

Move boats, RVs, and vehicles away from structures during high fire danger periods.

These are not major changes, but they can help prevent embers from igniting structure fires.

Equally important is having a plan. Too often, people wait too long to leave because they are unsure where to go or believe the fire will not reach them. Fires can move faster than expected, and conditions can change within minutes. Every household should have a simple five-minute evacuation plan and a go bag prepared at all times. That plan should include: pets and pet supplies, important documents, medications and medical supplies, emergency contacts and meeting points, multiple evacuation routes out of the area.

Be Prepared

Fire officials note that the reality is that wildfire seasons are becoming longer and more intense. As temperatures continue to rise and vegetation dries out earlier in the year, the urgency for proactive wildfire preparedness continues to grow. The California Fire Foundation’s dedication to fire prevention, community education, and supporting firefighters is critical to protecting California residents and communities. By understanding how hot and dry weather fuels wildfire risk, Californians can take meaningful steps toward creating a safer, more fire-resilient state.

For more information about wildfire preparedness or to support the California Fire Foundation’s mission, visit www.cafirefoundation.org.

The California Fire Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that provides emotional and financial assistance to families of fallen firefighters, firefighters, and the communities they protect. Through preparedness programs, survivor assistance, and public safety initiatives, the Foundation supports California communities before, during, and after disaster strikes.