Last Thursday, Governor Newsom announced major shifts to the state’s usual evacuation and sheltering protocols in the event of a major wildfire in anticipation of this year’s ramp-up of fire season amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The changes are designed to help protect both residents who are evacuating from their homes as well as first responders to effectively and safely mitigate the challenges of fire season while minimizing exposure to the novel Coronavirus.
While CAL FIRE, the state’s foremost fire suppression response agency, has already adjusted to COVID-19 by holding virtual briefings and conducting socially distanced drills to train for fire season, the Governor announced that new sheltering protocols in the event of wildfire evacuations will include:
- Mandatory health screening on entry, including temperature checks;
- Professional medical and mental health staff on site;
- Dedicated cleaning and sanitizing staff at all evacuation locations; and,
- Pre-packaged meals to prevent cross-contamination.
The state is also prepared to secure fairgrounds, campgrounds, hotels and other large facilities to allow individuals to shelter in non-congregate settings, particularly if they are high-risk or potentially suffering from COVID-19 and need to self-isolate.
Finally, the Governor also announced that CAL FIRE would be augmenting the state’s firefighting teams, with a planned 858 more firefighters to be added through October to help handle what is shaping up to be a tough wildfire season. For more on the Governor’s announcement, see the full press release here.