Preparing For Wildfire Season In Lamorinda

LAMORINDA, CA — While driving through the hills on Thursday, I spotted a deer on a hillside. The grass it was walking through was so tall that I couldn't see its legs at all. The sight was beautiful and serene.

As much as I enjoyed seeing it, I was also aware of the fire danger the green grass will pose when it dries out.

Is your home ready for a wildfire? Are you?

The idea of surviving a wildfire has taken on new meaning after the devastating fires in the North Bay last October, especially Santa Rosa. Entire blocks of homes were leveled and dozens died. Do you know multiple escape routes from your home?

Moraga-Orinda firefighters can help. They're holding an Open House on May 5, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Station 45 on Orinda Way. There will be fun activities that day including a hot dog lunch (donations benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association), demonstrations and Smokey the Bear will pose for selfies. More importantly, you can pick up fire safety and prevention tips.

It's no longer enough to make sure that there's a defensible space around you home. Make sure you know how to save your family from a fast-moving wildfire.

--Image by Renee Schiavone, Patch