Wildfires are spontaneous, unpredictable, and dangerous hazards that cause devastation to lives, property, and communities. Even if you do not live within high fire hazard severity zone, it is important for everyone in Culver city to be prepared for the potential impacts of wildfire, such as evacuations, freeway closures, utility disruptions, and poor air quality.
Are you wildfire ready? In the event of a wildfire, Ready, Set, Go! helps give you the tools to protect your family, property and community from wildfires.
Take personal responsibility and prepare long before the threat of a wildfire.
Pack your vehicle with essential emergency items. Food, water, medication for you/family/pet(s), and important documents. Stay aware of the latest news from local media, fire and police for updated information.
Evacuate when told, do not wait! Go to the designated evacuation location as instructed by the authorities.
It is particularly important to follow Ready, Set, Go! during Red Flag conditions. Be vigilant and keep your TV or radio on. Be sure to keep a pair of old shoes and a flashlight handy for a night evacuation. Keep the six "P's" ready, in case immediate evacuation is required.
- People and pets
- Papers, phone numbers, and important documents
- Prescriptions, vitamins, and eyeglasses
- Pictures and irreplaceable memorabilia
- Personal computers (information on hard drives and disks)
- "Plastic" (credit cards, ATM cards) and cash
For more information about the Ready, Set, Go program and other fire safety information, visit the Cal Fire website.
Culver City has an ordinance in place that increases requirements for brush clearance and fire safety in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ)(PDF, 9MB). This ordinance establishes appropriate safety measures necessary to mitigate the occurrence of such fires.
FAQ
What is the difference between an Evacuation Order and an Evacuation Warning?
- An Evacuation Order is designated when public safety officials declare an area to be unsafe due to an immediate threat to life. An Evacuation Order deems an area closed to public access and all persons within the designated area are required to leave and seek alternative shelter. Residents will not be allowed to access these areas, even to retrieve items out of their home.
- An Evacuation Warning is the designation of an area which is potentially in the path of danger.
How do wildfires start?
There are many sources of ignition for wildfires, but most fires start due to human factors such cigarettes, automobiles, motorcycles, uncontrolled campfires, and utility systems. Alternatively, wildfires can start based on embers flying from uncontrolled heat sources, lightning, and refracted/reflected light.
What is a debris flow and why does the risk of a flood or debris flow increase after a wildfire?
Landscapes can be radically changed by a wildfire and areas once abundant with vegetation can be reduced to ashes and dry soil. The change leaves a noticeable mark on the land and is often referred to as a burn scar. These areas can be dangerous during rain events because the soil is unable to absorb the water, and even light to moderate rain events can lead to flooding and debris flows.
Debris flows are fast-moving landslides that generally occur during periods of intense rainfall. Debris flows traveling 35mph can carry large amounts of water and debris, including boulders, trees, and cars, downslope and outside the burn area. Debris flows can happen without notice; therefore it is important to know if you live near a burn scar prior to a rain event.
How do I prepare for the impact of wildfire smoke?
Wildfires are dangerous and wildfire smoke can also harm you in multiple ways. Smoke emitting from local fires, can hurt your eyes, irritate your respiratory system, and worsen chronic heart and lung diseases. If you notice smoke in the area, ash, or local officials advise members of the public to take precaution, please do so as soon as possible.
- Monitor local air quality reports.
- Close windows, doors, and other sources where smoke particles can enter your place of shelter.
- Do not use devices that vent to the outdoors or have a fresh air intake. This may include bathroom and kitchen fans or air conditioners.
- Do not rely on dust masks. Paper "comfort" or "dust" masks commonly found at hardware stores trap large particles, such as sawdust. These masks will not protect your lungs from smoke. An N95 mask, properly worn, will offer some protection. If you decide to keep a mask on hand make sure the mask has a tight seal around your nose and mouth.
- Avoid or cancel outdoor recreation. The City of Culver City will cancel or limit programming during periods of elevated wildfire smoke. It is highly advised, that people refrain from conducting outdoor activities as much as possible, or utilize proper PPE such as N95 respirators.
- Consider adding N95 masks and a portable air cleaner to your emergency kit. If you have chronic health conditions, talk to your healthcare provider about how to protect yourself against wildfire impacts.
How will I be notified of a wildfire in my area?
- Sign up for Culver City Emergency Alerts to receive notifications about unhealthy air quality in Culver City during wildfire events and impacts to City programming. Take steps now to prepare for fire season.
- If you travel or hike frequently in areas where there is wildfire risk, sign up for emergency alerts in the areas that you frequent, especially if they are prone to wildland fires. View a list of emergency mass notification systems across LA County.
- Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) are emergency alerts pushed to cell phones, regardless of pre-registration. However, Wireless Emergency Alerts are sent to your cell phone's carrier for distribution; therefore, if you are not in cell phone range or do not have service, it is unlikely that you will receive a wireless emergency alert. Prior to going into areas without cell connectivity, share your trip with someone back at home. Let them know your path, camping location and expected return time (or date). Be extra mindful of red flag conditions, campfire and stove restrictions, and consider alternate plans when expected weather conditions begin to cause safety concerns.
When should I be concerned about air quality during a wildfire?
The Air Quality Index (AQI) divides air quality into six different levels. When the air quality is unhealthy for those in sensitive groups (Orange Level - AQI 101-150), persons with certain health conditions may want to take steps to reduce exposure to outdoor air. When smoke levels reach unhealthy levels (Red, Purple, Maroon levels - AQI +150) everyone should try to stay indoors with windows and doors closed as much as possible. The City of Culver City will make changes to outdoor programming such as sports activities and events if unhealthy air quality levels are met for an extended period of time. Learn more about what to do when smoke is in the air and use the Fire and Smoke Map to monitor conditions.
Throughout the state, smaller brush fires have been accidentally started by well intentioned residents performing brush clearance. Follow the safety tips below to help eliminate accidental starts.
- Use of metal cutting blades for grass or brush clearance shall be limited to those which are non-ferrous/non-sparking.
- Brush clearance cannot be done on red flag days, when fire weather conditions are at their peak.
- Individuals engaged in brush clearance operations shall not engage in any other activities during the actual clearance of grass or brush.
- An approved fire extinguisher, or a pressurized garden hose with attached nozzle shall be within 10 feet of any grass or brush clearance operation, to quickly extinguish a small fire before it burns out of control.
- A cell phone capable of dialing 9-1-1 shall be charged and readily accessible to the grass or brush clearance operation.
CLEAR EARLY AND OFTEN
1. The first 30 feet around or adjacent to ANY structure shall be maintained completely free from Native Brush or hazardous vegetation with the exception of Specimen Native Shrubs.
2. All Native Brush or hazardous vegetation from 30 feet to 100 feet of ANY structure shall be maintained at a height of not more than 18 inches nor less than 3 inches in order to maintain an adequate fire break. You are responsible for clearance on your property only.
3. You may retain Specimen Native Shrubs throughout the one hundred feet provided:
- They are spaced at a distance equal to 3 times their diameter, but in no event closer than 18 feet from other native shrubs, brush or structures.
- Specimen native shrubs shall be maintained free of dead wood and litter, and trimmed up at least 2 feet from the ground or 1/3 of their height, whichever is less.
- A list of specimen native shrubs which may be retained is listed in a brochure which may be obtained from your community fire station.
4. All native brush within 10 feet of any usable road surface shall be maintained at a height of not more than 18 inches but not less than 3 inches above ground level.
5. Trees, shrubs, bushes, or other vegetation adjacent to or overhanging any structure shall be maintained free of dead limbs and other combustible matter.
6. Trees shall be maintained so that no portion is closer than 10 feet from any chimney.
7. All roof surfaces shall be maintained free of substantial accumulations of leaves, needles, twigs, and any other combustible matter.
8. All weeds and dry grass within 10 feet from any roadway or combustible fence shall not exceed a maximum of 3 inches in height.
9. All cut vegetation and debris shall be removed and legally disposed. All vegetation, native or otherwise, shall be maintained so as not to constitute a fire hazard or public nuisance.
The plants listed below are more susceptible to burning due to rough or peeling bark, production of large amounts of litter, vegetation that contains oils, resin, wax, pitch or a high dead to live fuel ratio. Many of these species, if existing on the property and adequately maintained, may remain as long as the potential for spreading a fire has been reduced or eliminated. These types of plants should be avoided, especially in sensitive areas, where they could become established and compete with native vegetation. Examples of undesirable plant species include:
| Arborvitae |
Buckwheat |
Eucalyptus |
Milk Thistle |
Red Shanks |
| Artichoke Thistle |
Burning Nettle |
Fountain Grass |
Peppergrass |
Russian Thistle |
| Bamboo |
Caster Bean Plant |
Horseweed |
Palm Tree |
Telegraph Plant |
| Black Mustard |
Chamise |
Indian Tobacco |
Pine Tree |
Pampa Grass |
| Black Sage |
Cypress |
Mayweed |
Juniper |
Yellow Mustard |
There are no “fire proof” plants. To help create a fire-resistant landscape, select high moisture plants that grow close to the ground and have a low sap or resin content. Fire resistant plants are great in California because they are often drought tolerant too. Plant hardwood trees that are less flammable than pine, fir or other conifer trees. Examples of desirable plant species include:
| Aloe |
Rockrose |
Ice Plant |
Hedging Roses |
| Bush Honeysuckle |
Sumac |
Shrub Apples |
French Lavender |
| Red Monkey Flower |
Lilac |
Sage |
California Lilac |
| Society Garlic |
Maple Tree |
Poplar Tree |
Cherry Tree |
Due to weather conditions that may create the potential for elevated fire risk, a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) may be under consideration in parts of the Southern California Edison (SCE) service territory. Please visit the SCE website to learn more about public safety power shutoffs and other mitigation efforts.