While man-made fires are extremely dangerous, their natural counterparts can be even more so because they quickly spread through dry areas. In some cases, a blaze starts from a small spark and then devastates hundreds of acres of land as emergency management officials try to minimize the destruction.
The summer usually features perfect conditions for wildfires due to the combination of heat and lack of rain. Recently, a massive fire began tearing through California, and the risk of one erupting in Minnesota has been climbing. Read on for a look at both of these situations.
Fire in California
NBC News reports that a forest fire has moved beyond the borders of Yosemite National Park. Currently, 2,100 disaster relief officials are combating the fire, but it has already burned through more than 125,620 acres of woods. Additionally, 16 structures have been destroyed, but has only injured one person so far.
While the fire is more than 150 miles away from San Francisco, California Gov. Jerry Brown declared an emergency for the city because the fire has shut down two of its hydroelectric plants. What's more, voluntary evacuations have been put in place in Tuolumne City and Ponderosa Hills.
Risks rise in Minnesota
Minnesota's Department of Natural Resources has stated that the risk of wildfires has increased, according to the Star Tribune. People are no longer allowed to burn bushes or leaves in certain central and eastern counties. However, campfires are still permitted in specified areas of state parks.
The fire risk is elevated because of "dry conditions, wind and heat." Temperatures are expected to be over 90 degrees Fahrenheit for an extended period, which can lead to dehydrated wildlife. Fortunately, the humidity levels are supposed to be high and they may help suppress potential blazes. However, if the wind turns and the humidity drops, the risk could become even higher.
When a wildfire erupts, communication is a necessity because public officials need to tell nearby citizens what actions to take. Emergency alerts systems like those offered by Omnilert can ensure that disaster management officials can instruct people what to do during a fire. Through text message alerts and automated calling systems, Omnilert's communications platforms may be the difference between keeping people safe and increased dangers. Ultimately, a disaster notification tool can ensure that everyone can avoid a fire's path.
