Southern California is on high alert yet again this week with a scorching triple-digit heatwave. The latest high-pressure, high-heat system brought increased wildfire danger. And as of today, August 8th, at least 4 wildfires are raging in Southern California. The Canyon Fire brought evacuation orders and warnings for parts of L.A. and Ventura counties.
❗ Disclaimer: We are a small editorial team doing our best to keep this content updated, but things can often change quickly. Please consult each organization’s website and social media for the latest information.
Table Of Contents
How To Stay Safe During Wildfires
- Stay Informed: Keep up to date with local news, weather reports, and emergency notifications. You can sign up for alerts from Listos California here.
- Prepare Your Home: If possible, you can take precautions by creating a defensible space by clearing flammable vegetation and debris. Use fire-resistant materials for roofing and siding.
- Create an Evacuation Plan: Note multiple evacuation routes and establish a communication plan with family members and/or housemates. Prepare an emergency kit with essentials.
- Follow Evacuation Orders: If authorities issue evacuation orders, leave immediately. Do not wait for further instructions.
Active Wildfire Tracking
In order to stay appraised of the most current wildfire situations, you can find active wildfires on CAL FIRE here.
SoCal Emergency Links
Here are all of the emergency website links for L.A. County and surrounding counties.
- L.A. County Emergencies
- Sign up here for L.A. County Emergency Notifications
- Ventura County Emergencies
- San Bernardino County Emergencies
- Santa Barbara County Emergencies
How To Prepare For An Evacuation
Many L.A. residents are reporting that they’ve had limited time to prepare for an evacuation. So it’s important to stay safe and be prepared before the time comes. Read our full guide here on how to prepare for an emergency evacuation.
How to Pack a Go-Bag for Emergencies
A go-bag is essentially a backpack or bag containing essential items you’ll need in case of an evacuation, especially during emergencies like wildfires. To prepare one, focus on including only the most basic survival necessities:
- Food and water: Pack a three-day supply of non-perishable food and three gallons of water per person.
- Personal belongings: Include three days’ worth of clothing, sturdy shoes, a small toiletry kit, sanitary pads or tampons, and a blanket or sleeping bag.
- Important documents: Keep copies of IDs, passports, and other critical documents, along with some cash.
- Emergency supplies: Add items like flashlights, extra batteries, and a whistle.
For a detailed checklist on how to prepare your go-bag, click here.
Evacuation Centers
In response to the Canyon Fire situation, Ventura County officials have set up several evacuation centers to ensure the safety of residents and their animals. You can find the full list of evacuation orders for Ventura County here.
Emergency Animal Evacuation:
Those in need of immediate evacuation assistance for their large animals should call Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS) at 805-388-4341. Visit vcemergency.com for up-to-date information.
Please make sure to follow any specific instructions provided by the evacuation centers and stay safe.
How Wildfires Can Impact Air Quality
Wildfires impact air quality — and spread these pollutants over the region, impacting even communities far from the fire itself. Vulnerable populations — such as children, the elderly, and those with preexisting health conditions, are especially at risk when this happens. To protect yourself and those around you, it is recommended to monitor air quality reports, stay indoors with windows closed, and use air purifiers if available.
For more detailed information and updates, always refer to official sources like the L.A. County Emergency Services here and CAL FIRE here.
By following these guidelines and staying informed, you can enhance your safety during a wildfire.
Edited by Sofía Delpueche and Sarah Nash.