As record-breaking wildfires continue to rage through much of California, firefighters are doing their very best to contain and control the continuous outbreak of fires. Since January 1, 2018, the state has seen nearly 2,964 wildfires and have lost over 231,000 acres of land and forestry. With a force of 2,716 firefighters, 199 engines, 26 dozers and 14 helicopters, the fight to contain just one fire in July (the Klamathon Fire) was a success nearly 16 days later. However, it was not without a burn range of 38,008 acres. Although containment has been a significant victory, California is still hemorrhaging from its losses.

To assist the State with the devastation currently taking place, California officials have placed an “all-call” bulletin out to firefighters around the country, and the world, to help in their struggle. Around 100 firefighters from Australia and New Zealand have answered the call, and seventeen of our own states have dispatched firefighters and equipment to aid in the effort to alleviate the fires. “Many California residents are on edge about whether or not they will be evacuated and able to get accurate evacuation orders,” said Kelly B. Huston, the deputy director of the emergency services office.

In an effort to assist firefighters in flagging proper escape routes and safety zones, the Missoula Technology and Development Center (MTDC)conducted an in-depth evaluation to standardize escape route flagging nationwide. This evaluation process consisted of individuals with both full spectrum sight and severe colorblindness. After several rounds of testing, the conclusion was simple, hot-pink flagging tape was the easiest color to see from a distance, and lime-green flagging was best perceived by those afflicted with colorblindness. Due to the severe importance of firefighters being able to identify and interpret the meaning of flagging on the fireline, a base standard was established:

1) Red and White “ Candy Stripe” flagging= Life Safety Hazards such as downed power lines, hazard trees, mineshafts, etc
2) Red and white flagging with black letter= “DANGER DO NOT ENTER” or “DO NOT CROSS”
3) Hot pink (Pink Glo) flagging= “ESCAPE ROUTE” or “ SAFETY ZONE” (Lime Glo may also be in addition to hot pink).
4) Orange or pink= “SPOT FIRE”
5) Orange or pink= “KILLER TREE”
6) Yellow= “FIRE LINE” or “CRIME SCENE”
7) Circus Flags or Pennant Flags= mark the Helibase

 

Presco’s non-flammable, non-toxic flagging tapes are there on the frontlines to help maintain proper control and indicate escape routes as well as other hazardous conditions to help protect firefighters and other rescue personnel.
Our thoughts and prayers are with those heroic men and women as they continue the fight the blazes across the state along with those who have lost their homes and been relocated to safe zones. If you would like to help those who have been affected by this tragedy here is a list of organizations that make it possible:

The Red Cross has opened multiple shelters to house some of the thousands of wildfire victims and others who were forced to evacuate as the flames neared their neighborhoods. Those wishing to donate to the Red Cross can do so by texting REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

The United Way of Northern California has established a Shasta County Fire Relief Fund. To donate, text CARRFIRE to 91999 or visit the organization’s website.

The Salvation Army of Northern California has deployed disaster response teams to Auburn, Roseville, Eureka, Redding and Santa Rosa. You can donate money to help the Salvation Army feed evacuees on the organization’s website.

The Haven Humane Society is raising money on Facebook to support its efforts to house animals displaced by the fires. Those in the area can also donate dog and cat crates, food, and water bowls.

The Shasta Regional Community Foundation’s Community Disaster Relief Fund is accepting donations that will be funneled to regional nonprofits and disaster relief organizations.

Facebook has activated its Crisis Response feature for those in Shasta County. Victims can use the feature to post individual requests for aid, and those looking to help can also offer their services.

For more information on how Presco’s flagging products could help your company save lives, please contact one of our knowledgeable Customer Service Reps today at customerservice@presco.com or 1-800-527-3295