COTTAGE GROVE SENTINEL | WEDNESDAY, JULY 10, 2019 | 8A
Celebrating July Fourth in The Grove and beyond
PHOTOS BY
DAMIEN SHERWOOD
COTTAGE GROVE SENTINEL
Cottage Grove Sentinel Introduces...
GUARANTEED
HOME SALES
5W^QVOQ[WVMWN\PMUW[\[\ZM[[N]T\PQVO[_MLWQVTQNMVW_ILL\WQ\[MTTQVOaW]Z
PW][M ?M_IV\\WPMTXaW]_Q\PW]ZVM_
Real Estate Insurance Package!
?M_QTTZ]VaW]ZWVTQVMIL]V\QTQ\[MTT[NWZWVMTW_XZQKM
/]ZIV\MML0WUM;ITM8IKSIOM1VKT]LM["
?WZL[8PW\W]VLMZNMI\]ZML
0WUM[NWZ[ITMXIOMWVTQVM
_WZLIL]VLMZKTI[[QÅML[WVTQVM
7^MZ]VQY]M^Q[Q\WZ[WVTQVM
7VTaIVLQ\Z]V[]V\QTQ\[[WTL
Normal price is $45 for 4 issues, insurance is only $5.
Weekly feature for an additional $20/per week
limit one listing
+W\\IOM/ZW^M+TI[[QÅML5):3-<84)+-
“Your 1 stop place to buy & sell real estate in the region”
Call Today
541.942.3325
cgsentinel.com
S entinel
C ottage G rove
* Nov’18-Jan.’19 **Must be paid at time of placement
Are you ready?
D ISASTER P REPAREDNESS
ϐ
Deadly wildfires ravaged thousands upon thousands of acres of land across California in
the summer of 2018. Officials at the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
said these combined fires comprised the largest wildlands fire in state history. Frightening
images of blazes consuming landscapes dominated newscasts as thousands of people were
forced to evacuate.
Wildfires torch everything in their paths, devastating communities, businesses and natural
resources. Outbreaks seems to come out of nowhere, and meteorologists are not yet able to
forecast when wildfires may occur.
It is important to note that wildfires are often started by humans. The National Park
Service says as many as 90 percent of wildland fires in the United States are caused by
negligence — whether it’s discarded cigarette butts or campfires left unattended. Some are
intentional acts of arson. Nature also may be responsible, with lightning strikes causing
torching of parched plants and trees. When combined with the perfect conditions, which
can include dry weather, drought and strong winds, a mere spark can develop into a
months-long blaze.
The NPS has wildland fire managers who constantly assess the threat of human-caused
fires and the threat of wildland fires to humans. Assessments are made as to whether
the wildfire should be left to run its course (in rural areas) or it should be contained
and extinguished in a human-dominated landscape. National Geographic states that,
historically, wildfires are actually supposed to be beneficial to certain natural landscapes,
clearing underbrush in forests and triggering the release of seeds in some plant species,
such as the Jack pine. However, when they encroach on people, their danger intensifies.
According to Cal Fire, Santa Ana Winds and Diablo Winds are stronger-than-normal wind
conditions that occur in Southern and Northern California, respectively. These winds can
push a fire the length of a football field in a minute. Embers also pushed in front of fires
become small spot fires. Powerful winds can disrupt efforts to extinguish fires, dissipating
fire retardants dropped by aircraft.
Wildfires can wreak havoc on the environment and impact personal health. Worldwide,
wildfire smoke kills 339,000 people per year according to estimates from Environmental
Health Perspectives. Inhaling smoke can exacerbate asthma, and carbon monoxide can
damage the respiratory system.
Considering how difficult it can be to contain fires, prevention remains key. Remember
Smokey Bear’s tips, which remain revelant for kids and adults today:
• Never play with matches or lighters in the forest.
• Always watch your campfire.
• Always be careful with fire.
• Make sure a campfire is completely extinguished before leaving it.
• Observe posted fire-risk warnings.
Wildfires remain a constant threat wherever the conditions are right for fires to ignite.
People need to be diligent in their prevention of these potentially far-reaching hazards.
Wildfires can wipe out communities and travel miles in mere minutes
under the right conditions.
Make sure all the pieces are in place to render you and your family prepared in the event of a natural disaster.
• Listen to radio or television newscasts for the latest weather information, and follow all evacuation directions and suggestions.
• Keep a stock of non-perishable food items as well as bottled water on hand inside your home.
• Keep a 72 Hour Kit on hand inside your home that is easy to get to in the event of a disaster.
For more information and tips on disaster response and preparedness, contact your local emergency services center.
South Lane Fire & Rescue • 233 Harrison Ave, Cottage Grove 541-942-4493 • 55 South 1st Street, Creswell 541-895-2506
Twitter: @southlanefi re
Facebook: southlanecountyfi reandrescue
