California Wildfires and Disaster Messaging

Disaster Podcast

On this week’s episode, Dan DePodwin joins us to discuss the unique weather implications surrounding the widespread wildfires hitting the Los Angeles area this week. We discuss Santa Ana winds and the source in the mountain deserts around the Four Corners region of the Southwest.

Then co-hosts Sam Bradley and Jamie Davis look at wildfire preparedness, emergency evacuation on a moment’s notice, and the need for a go bag. When the orders to leave come in, we all need to have a list of needed items and supplies for a quick bug out from our homes. This includes everything we need for our pets, medications, and a supply of water and food in cast we’re away for an extended period of time.

Cal Fire Preparedness Page

Scroll down for Podcast Discussion Summary

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Thank you as always to Paragon Medical Education Group for their long-term support of the Disaster Podcast. Dr. Joe Holley and the team at Paragon continue to provide excellent and customized disaster response training to jurisdictions around the U.S. and internationally as well.

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Podcast Discussion Summary

Upcoming Weather Events and Wildfires

Jamie, Sam, and Dan discuss upcoming weather events and wildfires. Sam mentions that they have snow but no fire, which is a good thing. The three hosts plan to talk about wildfire scenarios and preparedness, but also touch on other weather topics. Sam asks Dan if there is anything notable in the upcoming weather outlook for the next week or so.

La Nina’s Impact on Wildfires Discussed

Dan discussed the ongoing cold weather in the Eastern United States and the snow and ice storm from Texas through Oklahoma and Arkansas. He also mentioned the potential for a disruptive snow event in the southeast and Ohio Valley. Jamie confirmed that Maryland would experience snow from the same storm system.

Sam and Jamie discussed the arrival of La Nina, which is expected to have an impact on the wildland fire situation in Southern California. They noted that the fires have already caused significant damage, with 6 deaths, over 6,000 structures burned, and 180,000 residents under evacuation orders. The fires have the potential to be the costliest wildland fire in American history and the most destructive fire in L.A. history.

Los Angeles Wildfires and Air Quality

Sam and Dan discussed the severe air quality situation in the Los Angeles area due to the ongoing wildfires. They noted that the air quality was unhealthy, with a rating of 173, and that the smoke and ash had contaminated water supplies, leading to boiling restrictions in some areas. Dan emphasized that the poor air quality could cause significant side effects, even for healthy individuals, and that it was not just a local issue but affected a vast stretch of Southern California. Jamie shared a personal experience of friends evacuating their homes due to poor air quality, despite not being under evacuation orders. The conversation concluded with Dan explaining that the fire weather was expected to continue, with the wind event being a rare occurrence that significantly increased the risk of fire spread.

Southern California Wind Situation Discussed

Dan discussed the ongoing wind situation in Southern California, noting that while the winds were expected to die down, there could be an increase in gustiness in the coming days. He also mentioned the potential for another round of strong winds next week. Sam shared her familiarity with Santa Ana winds, which can gust between 70 and 100 miles per hour.

Jamie highlighted the unique challenges posed by the Wildland/urban interface, where homes burn, releasing toxic fumes into the air and water supply. Dan agreed, noting the increasing concern with fires spreading from wildland areas to urban or suburban areas. The group also discussed the unusual timing of the current fires, which typically occur in the fall but are happening in the early part of the year due to a year and a half of wetter than average conditions followed by no rain. Sam added that there have been 60,000 fires since 2001, with the fastest growing ones causing more destruction than the slower, larger blazes.

Challenges in Wildfire Evacuation Procedures

Sam, Jamie, and Dan discussed the challenges faced during the wildfires in La County. They highlighted the lack of information about evacuation procedures and the difficulty in evacuating people due to the speed of the fires and the limited number of roads. Jamie mentioned that the La Fire Department and Cal Fire had to clear abandoned cars from the roads to allow fire vehicles to access the fires. Dan noted the erratic fire behavior caused by the winds and the difficulty in proactively evacuating areas. The team agreed that managing such emergencies is a complex task, especially in rapidly evolving situations.

Preparing for Wildfires and Evacuations

Jamie and Sam discussed the challenges faced during the recent wildfires, particularly the erratic spread of fires and the difficulty in evacuating due to limited access routes. They emphasized the importance of planning and preparation for such events, including creating a Wildland Action Plan, clearing brush around homes, and signing up for text alerts about wildfires. Dan agreed with their points, adding that having a plan and packing essentials in advance can be crucial during significant fire events.

Emergency Preparedness Kit Discussion

In the meeting, Sam and Dan discussed the importance of having a preparedness kit in the car in case of emergencies such as wildfires. They emphasized the need for items like medications, extra glasses, and important documents. Jamie added that having a checklist and knowing where to find everything quickly is crucial.

They also discussed the importance of having a communication plan with family members, especially during emergencies when phone lines and cell towers may be down. Sam mentioned the 6 P’s of evacuation, which include people, pets, papers, phone numbers, papers and important documents, and personal items. Dan agreed that these tips are applicable to various hazards, not just wildfires. Jamie recommended checking the Cal fire site for more information and resources.