November 2019 Newsletter
What to do After the Fire
Content Warning: this newsletter may contain triggering language for anyone who has experienced loss from a wildfire . Please be advised.
Camp Fire: One Year Later
Yesterday, November 25th, marked the one-year anniversary of 100% containment of the Camp Fire, the most deadly and destructive fire in California history. Ignited on November 8th from a faulty transmission line, the Camp Fire lasted seventeen days and devastated the urban Sierra foothill community of Paradise, California.
With over 18,000 homes destroyed and 50,000 people displaced, life after the fire has been a challenge for many families and individuals. GIS Specialist Peter Hansen at Chico State University investigated the logistical aftermath of the Camp Fire, studying where Paradise families relocated. His article features a map of the current addresses of previous Paradise residents, and it highlights how demographics such as age, family size , household income and home value affected relocation distances. Additionally, the map demonstrates the resiliency of Paradise survivors by showing where they decided to rebuild their lives. Check it out here .
What to do After the Fire
The days, weeks, and months following a wildfire may be very difficult, and the emotional trauma may be something you never forget. The following tips, information, and resources are intended to help you through that process:
Before You Enter The House
Before entering your neighborhood, look out for charred trees and unstable power poles. Additionally, be careful around ash pits and other burned holes.

Once you arrive at your home, check to see if the gas and electric utilities are working properly. If you smell gas, shut the supply off immediately and call your gas company. If the power is out, first check the breaker and then call your power company.

Lastly, wear protective clothing and check for any remaining burning embers on the roof, in the rain gutters, or anywhere else on your property.

Inside the House

Once you're inside the house, check for embers in the attic and crawl space every several days. Then, start a list and take photographs of items that have been damaged by fire, smoke, water and chemicals. Don't throw anything away until you've talked with your insurance company.

Do not eat any food or take medicine that has been exposed to heat, smoke or soot, and use two cups of white vinegar in the wash to rid clothing of the "smokey" smell.
Additional Resources