According to data from the U.S. National Park Service, nearly 9 out of 10 wildfires are caused by humans. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association reports that wildfires caused an estimated $98.9 billion in damage from 2017-2023, which is over 8 times more than the $12 billion in damages from 2010-2016. Those statistics are chilling. There are various reasons for the significant increase in wildfire activity since 2017, often cited as increased drought and soaring temperatures combined with high winds. There is a silver lining. Since most wildfires are the result of human behavior, we are better poised to make a positive difference, no matter the weather! This wildfire season, we have collected some simple wildfire prevention tips you can implement today to help prevent these devastating events.
HAIX® loves to highlight heroes. This week, we interviewed Tyler Zuniga, a Safety and Training Specialist for North American Training Solutions (NATS). Tyler has nearly two decades of experience as an arborist and his list of credentials, certifications and qualifications is as long as one of his technical tree climbing ropes! We talked trees, training, how he came to work for NATS and tips for tree care and wildfire mitigation. If you have ever used electricity, live in a wildfire-prone area, or if you’re interested in safe and expert tree care practices, you’re going to want to read this.
The wildfires in California have cost may people their homes and some even their lives over the past several years. One of those homes was the retirement community of former police officer and HAIX® consultant Jim Gerien and his wife. Their son, Scott, describes the situation of his parents after the dramatic evacuation...