#Wildfire Prevention

[wachinyeya]

https://ktla.com/news/california/goats-unleashed-by-san-manuel-tribe-as-part-of-fire-prevention-strategy/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaaJJAE-Kl55wk4vm1cYc0zjGRUEv8w6ps0HX0z-rxwwa7YXnTDCsgIU2vs_aem_0djT-2NoD-E87Ic6UeeqGw

Firefighting goats have been deployed by the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians to protect tribal land and neighboring property from potentially devastating brush fires.

The goats are unleashed by the San Manuel Fire Department to eat up dry brush and grass that would normally be ideal fuel for fires — a recent fire was actually partially stopped once it reached an area cleared by the caprine crew earlier this year.

The herd, officials said, is about 400-strong and is made up of generations of goat families.

On Tuesday, the goats were treated to a feast of fruit before being sent on their brush-eating mission.

The goats will spend the next several months trimming and thinning out vegetation on the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians Reservation and nearby properties in San Bernardino.

Tribal officials said the brush that covers the hillsides in and around San Manuel property is thriving and diverse, boosted by the recent history-making rainy season. The plant life is an ideal food source because goats prefer food that’s at their eye level.

The Tribe has used goats as a natural, environmentally friendly fire preventative tool since 2019; the plants get trimmed in a sustainable fashion, which allows them to survive and recover naturally overtime unlike most chemical sprays.

Tribal officials called the practice an extension of the Tribe’s “culture of lands stewardship.”

“Caring for the land is a sacred duty of the Tribe,” said Lynn Valbuena, chairwoman of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. “Stewardship is a responsibility given to our people by the Creator. No matter who owns the land.”

San Bernardino County residents shouldn’t be surprised to see the goats in the mountains fulfilling this divine task from now through the end of fire season.

[hypelens]

California Fires: The Pacific Palisades Blaze and the Ongoing Battle Against Wildfires

California is once again in the grip of devastating wildfires, with the Pacific Palisades Fire taking center stage as it threatens communities, disrupts lives, and underscores the ongoing challenges posed by climate change. With gusty winds, dry conditions, and rising temperatures fueling the flames, residents and first responders are facing a dire situation.

Overview of the Pacific Palisades Fire

The Pacific Palisades Fire, which erupted earlier this week, has rapidly spread across the densely populated region. According to KTLA, strong winds and bone-dry vegetation have exacerbated the blaze, making it challenging for firefighters to establish control. As of Wednesday evening, evacuation orders remain in effect for several neighborhoods, with over 1,200 acres burned and containment efforts ongoing.

Residents have shared harrowing accounts of the fire’s swift advance. James Woods, the renowned actor, shared his own close call with the flames, describing the moment he had to flee his home as a "race against time," as reported by CNN. His experience highlights the unpredictable and dangerous nature of these wildfires.

The Human Impact

For many residents, the Pacific Palisades Fire is more than just a headline—it's a life-altering event. Evacuees have described the chaos of leaving their homes, unsure of what they might return to. Emergency shelters have been set up across Los Angeles, offering temporary refuge for those displaced.

Local businesses have also felt the effects, with closures and supply chain disruptions adding to the economic strain. The fire has prompted community members to band together, offering support through donations, volunteer efforts, and emotional encouragement.

The Role of Climate Change

California’s wildfire seasons have grown longer and more severe in recent years, with experts pointing to climate change as a significant contributing factor. Rising temperatures, prolonged drought conditions, and erratic weather patterns create the perfect storm for wildfires to ignite and spread.

The Los Angeles Times notes that the Pacific Palisades Fire is part of a troubling trend: an increase in "urban wildfires" where natural landscapes collide with densely populated areas. These fires pose unique challenges, not only in terms of firefighting but also in ensuring public safety in urbanized regions.

The First Responders' Heroic Efforts

Firefighters and emergency personnel have been working tirelessly to combat the Pacific Palisades Fire. Helicopters and air tankers have been deployed to drop water and fire retardant, while ground crews battle flames in challenging terrain.

The efforts of first responders have drawn widespread praise, with Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass calling them "true heroes" in a recent press conference. She also urged residents to follow evacuation orders and remain vigilant, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation during emergencies.

Preparing for the Future

As California faces increasingly destructive wildfire seasons, officials and experts are exploring ways to mitigate risks and improve preparedness. Key strategies include:

Enhanced fire prevention measures: Controlled burns, vegetation management, and firebreaks can help reduce fuel for fires.

Investments in technology: Drones, satellites, and AI-powered tools are being used to detect and monitor fires more effectively.

Public education campaigns: Teaching residents how to create defensible spaces around their homes and prepare for evacuations is crucial.

How to Help

The Pacific Palisades Fire has sparked an outpouring of support from across the country. If you’re looking to make a difference, here are some ways to help:

Donate to relief organizations: Groups like the Red Cross and local charities are providing food, shelter, and resources to those affected.

Volunteer: Whether it’s helping at evacuation centers or assisting with cleanup efforts, your time can make a meaningful impact.

Raise awareness: Share accurate information about the fire and its effects to help others understand the gravity of the situation.

Conclusion

The Pacific Palisades Fire is a stark reminder of the challenges posed by California’s worsening wildfire seasons. As communities come together to support one another, the need for long-term solutions to address climate change and improve wildfire management has never been more apparent.

Stay updated on this developing story and join the efforts to support those impacted by the Pacific Palisades Fire. Whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading awareness, every action counts in the fight against these devastating blazes.

[allthecanadianpolitics]

The B.C. government has been slapped with a $710,000-penalty over “unsafe” wildfire prevention work — an amount it deems “disproportionately high” and intends to appeal. The recently published WorkSafeBC decision is dated Oct. 26, and relates to a worksite in the Wonowon area where tree falling and wildfire fuel reduction activities were being conducted.

Continue Reading

Tagging @politicsofcanada

[jessica-marie-baumgartner]

Newsom needs to resign

[texasbills]

Texas House Bill 1905: Relating to notice to the Texas A&M Forest Service of a prescribed burn to be conducted by the Parks and Wildlife Department.

[michigantopnews]

Michigan Ice Storm Forest Damage Wreaks Havoc: 5 Urgent DNR Recovery Moves

After severe weather battered Michigan’s north, the DNR races to assess forest damage, salvage timber, and reduce fire risks amid blocked roads and fallen trees. Michigan Ice Storm Forest Damage | Michigan’s DNR confronts the challenge of restoring millions of acres of storm-damaged forestlands while maintaining public safety and ecological health. Michigan Ice Storm Forest Damage Cripples…

[haveacupofjohanny]

California Fires: A Call for Empathy, Not Condemnation

When disaster strikes we DON'T need condemnation. The California fires ARE NOT a divine message—they’re a cry for action on climate change and assistance to those suffering. Let’s focus on solutions, not harmful rhetoric. Read more on my blog!

When wildfires sweep through California, devastating homes, ecosystems, and lives, they bring untold pain to those affected. Yet, amidst the ash and smoke, some see these disasters not as a crisis requiring empathy and action but as a stage for their religious or ideological beliefs. Ultra-conservative voices often seize on these tragedies to paint them as divine retribution or a “cleansing” of…

[emergencymanagementnews]

In preparing for future fires, Maui doesn't have to look far. States like California have passed wildfire policies to reduce the risk that a community will be destroyed.

[socialjusticeinamerica]

Fuck them with a rusty railroad spike.

[markscherz]

Prepare for the worst frog question you've ever received :(

Why do frogs pee when they make their escapes? They've soared high over my head, raining pee down on me (and in one case, my ice cream). They've leaped into the water at astonishing speeds, with the aid of projectile peeing. They've paced themselves and done one thousand short hops, peeing the entire way for emphasis.

But none of them have ever told me why... no matter how politely I've asked. Wise and powerful Tumblr frog guy, why do they do it?

Frogs are actually employed by the local firefighting service to help prevent wildfires. Every time they get scared, they release the flame retardant.

[timmurleyart]

Hot shot hero. 🔥🚒🔥

[michiko-museum]

Inside the dash to save the Getty Villa from the Palisades fire: a timeline

"The Getty Villa, the museum built by oil tycoon J. Paul Getty and home to thousands of priceless antiquities, activated its emergency operations center in response to the fast-moving Palisades fire at 10:40 a.m. Tuesday. At 11:44 a.m., fire could be seen over the ridge, less than one mile away. By 12:27, flames had reached the property.

Fast-moving, wildly unpredictable and catastrophic in the damage it caused along a vast swath of prime coastline, the Palisades fire ultimately spared the Villa and its more than 44,000 objects, including many Roman, Greek and Etruscan relics dating from 6500 BC to AD 400.

J. Paul Getty Trust President and Chief Executive Katherine E. Fleming described for The Times the scene on the ground and how she and her staff worked from a conference center-turned-war room at the Getty Center in Brentwood, about 10 miles away — all while 16 staff members remained at the Villa to implement emergency protocols...

...Fleming offered a riveting play-by-play of the day’s events. The staff members who remained at the Villa worked in emergency response, facilities, security and communications — each highly trained in emergency preparations. When the fire broke out, the biggest concern was protecting the collections from the damaging effects of smoke. The double-walled construction of the galleries provided significant protection, and at 10:45 a.m., the dampers — small valves that regulate airflow in a building’s HVAC system — were turned off, as was the air conditioning. The staff still smelled smoke, so the museum doors were sealed at 11:04 a.m. The smoke became overwhelming by 11:15, and at 11:20 the staff was sent an email alerting them that the Villa was closing..." Keep Reading

[stone-cold-groove]

Remember this ad in the April 1958 Reader’s Digest?

[nichrome-media]

West Toast

Slice #248

[memenewsdotcom]

California Park Fire grows, now 6th largest

[quaranmine]

i'm like a pyromaniac if the pyromaniac didn't care about setting fires and was only interested in climate and ecology and chemicals