What to do AFTER a Wildfire:

During wildfires, the nutrients from dead trees are returned to the soil. The forest floor is exposed to more sunlight, allowing seedlings released by the fire to sprout and grow. Sometimes, post-wildfire landscapes will explode into thousands of flowers, in the striking phenomenon known as a superbloom.

Preventing wildfires

1. Report unattended fires.
2. Extinguish fire pits and campfires when done.
3. Don’t throw lit cigarettes out of your moving car.
4. Use caution when using flammable liquids.
5. Pay attention to local ordinances for trash burning.
6. Only use fireworks in clear areas with no woods nearby.

• Check with fire officials before attempting to return to your home.
• Use caution when re-entering a burned area – flare ups can occur.
• Check grounds for hot spots, smoldering stumps and vegetation.
• Check the roof and exterior areas for sparks and embers.

Forest Fire Prevention Tips

1. Obey local laws regarding open fires, including campfires;
2. Keep all flammable objects away from fire;
3. Have firefighting tools nearby and handy;
4. Carefully dispose of hot charcoal;
5. Drown all fires;
6. Carefully extinguish smoking materials.

If you are interested in volunteering to assist with recovery efforts for the Camp Fire, please visit the Butte County Recovers website. There you will find a link where you can sign up for volunteer opportunities to assist government and community based organizations with continuing recovery projects and services.

How to Help Animals Affected by the California Fires

1. Keep your companion animals inside.
2. Leave buckets of water outside for wildlife who venture into your yard.
3. In the event of an evacuation, please bring your companion animals with you.

You can help people affected by disasters like wildfires by making a gift to Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS, or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

These steps will help you get back on your feet:

1. Find a safe place to stay.
2. Contact your insurance agent.
3. Protect your home.
4. Take care of your pets.
5. Get a copy of the fire report.
6. Address your finances.
7. Recover your possessions.
8. Take care of your family’s mental health.

Critical items you may want to save from a fire include:

• Social Security cards.
• Birth certificates.
• Medical records.
• Marriage records.
• Passports.
• Car and home titles.
• Family photos or heirlooms.

The biggest health threat from smoke is from fine particles. These microscopic particles can penetrate deep into your lungs. They can cause a range of health problems, from burning eyes and a runny nose to aggravated chronic heart and lung diseases. Exposure to particle pollution is even linked to premature death.

Smoke inhalation can exacerbate asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), though the effects may not be permanent. In some cases, extreme smoke inhalation can cause asthma that is triggered by future exposures to smoke.