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ANR Environmental Health & Safety 

Fire Safety

Wildfire Smoke

In times when smoke levels are high, you are advised to limit outdoor activities to avoid unnecessary exposure

• Reduce exposure to smoky air by remaining indoors with windows and doors closed.  Consider re-scheduling activities that require you to be outdoors, especially strenuous work or exercise activities.

• Set air conditioning units and car vent systems to re-circulate

• If you have asthma or other lung disease, make sure you follow your doctor's directions about taking your medicines and following your asthma management plan.  Call your doctor if your symptoms worsen.

• If you have heart or lung disease, if you are an older adult, or if you have children, talk with your doctor about whether and when you should leave the area.

Smoke can irritate the eyes and airways, causing coughing, a scratchy throat and irritated sinuses. Elderly persons, children, and individuals with heart or lung disease are particularly susceptible to elevated air pollution levels and should take extra precautions to avoid exposure. Persons experiencing severe symptoms should seek professional medical advice or treatment.

for addtional information:

 

Wildfire Smoke Fact Sheet

 

Smoke and your Health FAQ

 

Smoke inpact on Air Quality

 

Spare the Air

 


Wildfire Info

Many ANR employees perform work in areas of the state that may be prone to seasonal wildfires.  This year, a series of conditions have combined to make the threat of wildfires even greater than usual.  Information available from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) indicate that there is an increased potential for “extreme fire behavior” this season. Please use the following links to gain more information about this year’s fire season and how to keep safe.

 

Predictive Services

Predictive California Season Outlook

Cal Fire Safety

Fire Threat Map

Communities at Risk from Wildfire Map

Smokey Bear Safety

If a fire is found to be caused by negligence, the responsible person(s) or entity can be held financially liable or criminally prosecuted.  Cal Fire bills about 500 people and collects $4-6 million each year to recover the costs associated with suppressing fires caused by negligent actions.

 

ANR Environmental Health & Safety – has many resources to help you conduct your work in a safe and environmentally responsible manner.  The Administrative Guidelines for Fieldwork in Forested, Brush-Covered, Grassland and Wetland Areas contain tips for fire prevention and defensive measures.  Similar information can be found in the one-page Safety Note #88 - Fieldwork Safety: Fire Preventative and Defensive Measures.

 

Any ANR employees who are working in potential wildfire areas are encouraged to review Safety Note #88 and share the information with other employees, collaborators or volunteers who are also working in these areas.

 

If you have any questions about this information, please contact us (click here to contact us)