Woodside Fire Protection District

The brushy hillsides and grassy fields of our community present the potential for a major wildfire. The mix of wildland fuels and homes create a tremendous fire problem. Fires do not only happen in Southern California and the Oakland Hills, they can and will happen here.

Three major factors affect the fire danger level. These factors are the fuels, the topography and the weather. Prevent this from happening

Fuels include grasses, heavy brush and trees. The danger that these fuels present is directly proportionate to the moisture level in the fuels. Even with the recent rainfall, the moisture content in fuels is extremely low.

The topography factor is the steeper the grade, the greater the danger. Fire will move quickly uphill and may ignite houses on ridges and hills.

The weather factor is the only factor in which we have no control. Long, dry heat waves will dry out and preheat fuel. High winds will increase the speed at which fire moves and the intensity with which it burns.

Aside from the above-mentioned factors, the human environment becomes important in predicting loss of life and property. Untreated wood shake and shingle roofs, narrow roads, limited access, lack of firewise landscaping, inadequate water supplies and poorly planned subdivisions are all examples of increased risk to people living with the threat of wildfire.

Under these conditions, a small fire can become a catastrophic event in a matter of minutes, but there are precautions that can be taken to minimize the effects of a wildland fire.

Homeowners can:

- Eliminate Danger Spots around your Home

- Landscape using Fire Resistive Plants

- Prepare in Advance for a Wildland Fire

- RATE YOUR HOMES FIRE HAZARD LEVEL

"Defensible Space Saved This Place"

Stop by Station 19 (4091 Jefferson Ave, Redwood City) and pick up a copy of Living With Fire in San Mateo County and learn more about ways to reduce the fire hazard around your home.

MORE ON FIRE SAFETY AND PREVENTION

Fire Safe Trees:
http://www.safetree.net/safetrees.htm

To Figure Out Where To Obtain Documents Lost In A Fire, Click On The Link Below:
AFTER A FIRE

Programs and Activities

WFPD's Fire Prevention Program is committed to educating the public about fire hazard awareness. If you would like a home inspection to ensure you are doing everything possible to prevent a wildfire contact our Public Education Officer at 650-423-1406. As well as home inspections, WFPD visits local schools to teach kids knowledge that is imperative to prevent fires as well as what to do in case of a fire.

If you are interested in learning more about Fire Safety contact Public Education Officer Selena Brown at 650-423-1406, we offer a variety of information from fire extinguishers and smoke detectors to kitchen safety and fire safety for seniors.