Going Home
Incident: Cascade Complex Wildland Fire
Released: 8/26/2007
POST FIRE THINKING
Things have changed and the area you remember is not the same. The fire caused some damage to the landscape and so did the suppression activities that were required to stop its advance. The good news is that most of this damage will not be evident. As time goes on, the vegetation will come back, the ecosystem will be healthier than it was, and the threat of wildfire has diminished.
AS YOU RETURN HOME THINK ABOUT YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES SAFETY:
Traveling
When traveling in the fire area or back and forth from your homes serious consideration should be given to the following items:
- There will be increased congestion on the roads.
- Heavy equipment and fire crews will still be working
- Dust, poor visibility and rough roads will make driving difficult
Slow down, Use your lights and seatbelts, Don't tailgate and always give pedestrians the right of way.
Inspect Your House
Your homes and structures have been unoccupied for a few days and may or may not have been impacted by the fire or other activities. Some things you should do include:
- Inspecting the outside of your house for any damage. Look for any burned areas and ensure they are cold. Check that the structure integrity is good.
- Before you turn the power ON, and even if it is still on, visually inspect the main breaker panel for visible damage, look for damaged wires and plugs. If breaker switch is off and no damage is visible try to turn it on, if it trips again, get it inspected by a licensed electrician.
- Check propane tanks for visible damage or if fire burned around them if so have them inspected before using them.
- If you have a well, check that the well head has not been compromised. Check your water to be sure it is drinkable.
Burned Area Safety:
When a wildfire occurs some specific hazards are created especially in the urban interface areas. These hazards are both real and perceived. There is a possibility that smoke will be present long after the fire is contained. There may even be some flaring up of materials burning. If you see smoke:
- And it is on the perimeter make a report to your local fire unit.
- If the smoke is in the interior of the fire more than 1000 feet, keep track of it, observe it to see if it becomes more active or is only blowing ash or dust.
There are also many physical hazards that are present. These include:
- Standing burned or partially burned trees and snags .
Avoid these trees and if they present a danger to property they should be removed by a professional.
Wind will often blow these trees down and caution should always be used if moving through them.
Ash pits will be present and will remain hot for a long time.
Be extremely careful when walking or working around them.
These pits occur when a tree and the root ball are completely consumed leaving a hole which you can easily fall into.
These are especially dangerous to children and animals.
.- Sharp staubs (pongee stakes) will be through out the burned area making walking dangerous. Wear good foot covering and gloves when traveling in the area.
- Unstable soil will make footing treacherous especially when wet. Rocks will be loosened and may role or slide easily.
- Fine dust will blow easily and get into your eyes easily.
