Soboba Fire Department was on the scene helping crews fighting the Eaton Fire from Jan. 8 to Jan. 16, when they returned home. Additional support and resources allowed for quicker containment for small fires and significant progress in containment at the larger fires across the region.

Soboba Fire Chief Glenn Patterson said requests for assistance are managed by Cal-OES, utilizing the statewide mutual aid system. “This request came from our dispatch center who was contacted by the OES regional coordinator,” he said. “Whoever is on duty goes when the request comes in and we call back personnel to fill behind.”

It is up to Patterson to approve or deny all mutual aid requests based on the availability of resources and personnel. “I keep in contact with the personnel out on assignment and arrange for any needs and coordinate personnel swaps as needed,” he said.

One engine with three crew members and one Chief Officer was deployed to the Eaton Fire, Division “Juliette,” which was in Sierra Madre. One of those crew members was Soboba Fire Training Battalion Chief Howard Maxcy Jr.

“I think just seeing the devastation of all those homes destroyed and seeing families every day at the roadblocks wondering if their homes were still standing was the worst part for me personally,” Maxcy said. “Our assignments included patrolling the areas for hotspots and helping to identify homes that had been damaged and reporting those addresses to our division group supervisor.”

Patterson said both wildfires and structure fires have their challenges. “The biggest difference is that most structure fires are confined to a building with walls so you usually have a fairly good idea on where the fire can/will go,” he said. “Wildfires are dynamic and constantly changing based on fuel, weather, and topography.”

He said wildfires move much faster and require many more resources but structure fires are difficult when so many houses are burning or threatened, and they can’t save them all.

Soboba Fire Captain John Hines was also on the crew that responded to the mutual aid call. “Our base camp started at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena,” he said. “Duties we performed included structure protection for houses in Sierra Madre that were unburned. I am happy to report that our division saved multiple houses from burning, although we did lose a few. Other duties included recovery missions to locate missing individuals, and unfortunately, we did find a few individuals that did not make it.”

The crew also laid thousands of feet of fire hose to save properties and removed brush away from structures. They also performed public relations duties with all of the displaced individuals, answering questions from the residents and public that were encountered throughout their mission.

“The worst part of the experience at the Eaton fire was to see the magnitude of the devastation of houses and property,” Hines said. “I can safely say this was the worst I’ve seen in over 30 years in the fire service and going to big campaign fires.”

The Eaton Fire burned a total of 14,021 acres and destroyed 9,418 structures, including homes, businesses, schools, and houses of worship through the Altadena, Pasadena and Sierra Madre areas before being fully contained. Maxcy said that helping the same residents day in and day out with their fire prevention needs was a positive take away from the experience.

Hines said the outpouring of support from surrounding communities and the public in general was amazing. He said the generosity was very heartfelt, for example, bringing hot food and drinks for all of the first responders from out of the area.

“Being able to witness how the community came together to support the fire victims was an awesome thing to see; the community brought everything from toothbrushes, sleeping bags, beds, clothes, etc.; you name it, people brought it,” he said. “Having the opportunity to run into many other fire agencies that were from throughout the western United States, and running into many other firefighters who have moved on to other departments that had started at Soboba was a good thing.”

The post Soboba Fire Department assists with Los Angeles wildfires appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

On Thursday, May 23, about a dozen youths placed more than 50 flags at the gravesites of veterans who are buried at the cemetery. Many are relatives of the youths who were there that day, bringing another level of meaning to the task at hand. They were reminded how important to the community and to all those who served in the military to have them remembered in this way and that they should be proud of their involvement.

While there, the young men and women also tidied up the sites by removing debris and straightening overturned vases and more. Four members of the Soboba Fire Department took rakes and other tools to the parking area where guests would gather for the ceremony the following Monday, May 27. They raked up debris from shade trees and leveled out the surfaces.

Capt. Frank Martinez, who is part of the Wildland Urban Interface crew, made sure everyone had the proper tools to take care of the cleanup. Fire Apparatus Engineer Glenn Lindsey said the cemetery is a special project for the fire department, always keeping it clean and looking nice.

“It’s personal for me; I have family buried here and I want to make sure they are taken care of,” he said. “Me and my family come up here all the time to clean up and throw out dead flowers and things like that; it’s something you grow up doing around here.”

Soboba Tribal Youth Council membership is open to youth from 12-18 who are Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians Tribal members and those who are of Native American descent. Along with providing an understanding of the functions and responsibilities of Tribal government, participation provides leadership development and spiritual, mental, physical and social growth, as well as opportunities to attend cultural events. They host many fundraisers to cover expenses for the group’s activities.

In between the monthly in-person meetings, members and the Advisory Board stay connected through a group chat app where they can share information about upcoming events and make collective decisions. Officers are Chairwoman Rhianna Salgado, 16, Vice Chairwoman Raya Salgado, 14, Secretary Akwaalimay Resvaloso, 15, Treasurer Aniyah Brittian, 12, and Member-at-Large Nowaniiki Resvaloso, 13.

Advisory Board members include Parks and Recreation Director Andy Silvas and other department staff, Tribal Council Vice Chairwoman Geneva Mojado and Secretary Monica Herrera and parents of youth council members. The youth-led council, under the guidance of its Advisory Board, is affiliated with the United National Tribal Youth network, also known as UNITY.

The Soboba Tribal Youth Council constitution and bylaws outline the objectives of the group, which is to provide a collective voice and represent the Tribal youth in all matters that concern them; to serve as a means of mobilizing and coordinating the actions of the youth, other community members and organize them towards positive goals; to promote the development of future Tribal leaders; and to complete community service projects and provide opportunities for the youth to interact with the community for fun and fellowship.

The Memorial Day ceremony began at dawn when Gabe Herrera from Soboba Fire quickly raised the American flag to full-staff position and then slowly lowered it to half-staff to honor the fallen service men and women of this country. Veteran Richard VanDyke-Parker raised it back to full staff at 11 a.m. in recognition of living military veterans who served the country and it remained at full staff until sunset. Richard served in the U.S. Navy from 1975-1996. This action marked the end of the ceremony that had started with prayer from St. Joseph Catholic Church Reverend Earl Henley. A morning mass had been held at the church before parishioners joined him at the veterans’ memorial, a permanent fixture at the east end of the cemetery that is “dedicated to the memory of the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians and non-Tribal Members who gave their all for us.” Father Henley also called for a moment of silence for the fallen.

After a blessing of the marker, members of Soboba Tribal Youth Council took turns reading names in memory and honor of those who served in the military. Alphabetically, honored Soboba Tribal Veterans whose names were read during the roll call were M.J. Apapas,  Daniel Arres, Gordon Arres, Norbit Arres, Theodore P. Arres, Leonard Arrietta Sr., Ralph C. Arrietta, Robert Arrietta, Anderson Begay, Robert Bentiste, Larry C. Boniface, Paul Boniface, , Gabriel Castello, Peter F. Castello,  Gloria Cozart, Jessie M. Gilmore,  Benny C. Helms Sr., Reginald P. Helms, Romaldo A. Helms, Martin Hurtado, Joe John Lala, Tiefielo Francis Lugo, Kenneth Mathers, Marcus E. Mojado, Danny Navarro, David Navarro, Paul A. Resvaloso, Prudencio Resvaloso, Ernest Salgado Sr., Richard Salgado Sr., Albert Silvas, Allynn Silvas, Daniel Silvas, Frank “Chico” Silvas, Joe “Jody” Silvas, Eloy Soza, Frank E. Soza, Michael Soza, William P. Soza, John Vincent Valdez, Carmel Paul Valenzuella and Louis Vivanco.

Non-Tribal veterans, whose names were included in the roll call, were Eugene F. Arenas, Tony D. Basquez Sr., Bruce Cozart, Miguel R. Briones, Refugio R. Garcia Jr., Orvin D. Gilmore, Foster Hurtado Sr., Andrew Jackson, Ben Largo, Arthur R. Lopez Sr., Mariano Steven Largo,  Leonard Lubo, Senon Lubo, Richard Patrick Macy, Fred Miranda Sr., Peter D. Morillo Sr., Pio Morillo,  James Paul Navarro,  Phillip Rodriguez, Mariano Tortez and James Walker.

Soboba Tribal Council Chairman Isaiah Vivanco, who was invited to the microphone to say a few words, said it was great to see the turnout that seems to increase each year.

“I think it’s important that we come out and not only say thanks to our veterans but also to memorialize and remember those that have served and are no longer here with us. It’s important to make sure that we pay that tribute to keep their history and names alive.”

He introduced fellow Tribal Council members Geneva Mojado, Mike Bentiste, Monica Herrera and Daniel Valdez. “I also want to thank the fire department, Sports Complex staff Andy (Silvas) and Steve (Lopez) and youth council. Our youth council has been working to make sure the flags get out to those that need remembrance, making sure that all the graves of all our lost heroes are marked and remembered. It’s important that we continue that tradition and I think with the youth learning where these markers are at, that tradition will be carried on and that’s something we need to be thankful for.”

He said that under the tutelage of elder Marian Chacon, the youth are learning how to continue the traditions that are so important to the people of Soboba. Guests at the Memorial Day event were invited to a brunch at the Soboba Sports Complex after the ceremony and enjoyed delicious food served by members of the Soboba Youth Council who hosted the meal.

The post Soboba Youth Council steps up for the community appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

The Soboba Foundation reached out to a few department stores to help them with this large endeavor, and special elves from the San Jacinto Walmart stepped in to help out. Walmart’s Store Manager Sandy Cifuentes, Academy Lead Lisa Flores and GM Coach Irma Hernandez worked closely with the Foundation’s coordinator Andrew Vallejos in the true spirit of community and Christmas. Cifuentes said, “We appreciate this event and are here to give our support!

And support they did. Before the popular Unstuff the Bus events could take place, Walmart team members shopped, rang up and ensured toy inventory to help accomplish the mission. They also provided manpower to load 1,000 toys onto the Soboba bus for each day of delivery.

“It’s always the season for unity, inclusion and giving,” Vallejos said. “We are grateful to all those who said yes and asked how they could help.”

The first event took place at San Jacinto Unified School District’s main office parking lot on Dec. 5 where hundreds of community members waited for the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians’ bus to arrive. Forming a “toy brigade” from where the bus parked to the entrance of the DO’s warehouse, gifts were passed along one at a time. SJUSD’s School, Family and Community Liaison Sheila Blythe helped members of the San Jacinto High School cheer team and other volunteers sort each gift onto tables labeled for age groups and gender located inside the huge warehouse.

“We love to see everyone out here working together,” Blythe said. 

Soboba Tribal Council and Foundation members were on hand, as well as Soboba Fire Department personnel, working alongside other volunteers as toys were passed down the line. Tribal members were there to help, too.

“It filled my heart to see so many wonderful people come out and jump in to help and be a part of such a huge community giving event,” Carla Adame, Family and Community Engagement Specialist for SJUSD’s Student, Community and Personnel Support Department said.

She explained that each year, the school site family liaisons work with their principals and staff to identify worthy students. There were about 350 families who got selected this year. Plus, they always save a small stash for last-minute needs so there will be close to 400 SJUSD families that Soboba will help this Christmas with their generous donation. The toys were distributed during a Christmas-themed event on Dec. 10 and Adame said she was thankful to all the amazing liaisons, principals and staff who helped make it a great event by decorating beautiful stations.

“Soboba has been one of our biggest and most consistent blessings by far,” Adame said. “It’s never about anything else for them other than to help. They are always asking us how they can help so in turn our district works hard to be the best stewards we can with what they give us for our students and families; we implement equitable systems into each step of our process. We make it fun for our families because at the end of the day we’re all here for them and seeing their grateful, happy faces is what it’s all about.”

Vince Record, SJUSD’s Director of CTE and Special Programs, welcomed all the volunteers and guests at the Unstuff the Bus event and thanked the Soboba Foundation for 13 years of giving back to the San Jacinto district’s families and community.

“The Soboba Gives Back toy distribution program started in 2009 with former Soboba Tribal leader and SJUSD Board Member Rose Salgado, who is dearly missed,” he said. Some of the special guests that were acknowledged with a round of applause included Soboba Tribal Council, Soboba Foundation and Tribal members, Hemet/San Jacinto Valley Chamber of Commerce members and Walmart team members who helped make event possible by providing the toys that were purchased by the Soboba Foundation and Soboba Casino Resort.

San Jacinto Unified Board and Cabinet members, students, staff and families and Riverside County Office of Education’s Superintendent of Schools Edwin Gomez were also introduced before everyone got ready to unstuff the bus. Hot chocolate and fresh cookies were provided by the district’s Nutritional Services Department and the holiday music was turned up as the crowd cheered the arrival of the bus, led by a Soboba Fire engine.

Cathi Hill and Billie Jo Williams, from the American Cancer Society, said they were happy to help out at such a great event. “We are always happy to support Soboba because they do so much for the American Cancer Society and the community,” Hill said.

Soboba Tribal Chairman Isaiah Vivanco said, “We are thankful to be in a position to help out others. The Tribe has had its ups and downs this year but we’re still in a position to give back and that’s a good feeling.”

The Soboba bus was then stuffed with another 1,000 toys at the San Jacinto Walmart store on the morning of Dec. 8. That evening, at Tahquitz High School, it was unstuffed for distribution to children within the Hemet Unified School District. Christmas lights shined over the heads of a long line of volunteers who made sure all the toys were safely stored at the school while joyful Christmas music played on loudspeakers.

“We are continually overwhelmed by the generosity of the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians and their support of our children and families,” Emily Shaw, HUSD’s Director of Wellness and Community Outreach, said. “Through their generous toy donation this year, more than 1,000 children will receive a toy who may otherwise not have gifts. We are extremely grateful for their ongoing support and commitment to our community.”

Miriam Ortiz, HUSD’s Coordinator of School, Family and Community Partnerships, said Hemet families continue to express gratitude for the toy donations.

“The toys provide our parents relief during the holiday season and allows them to sprinkle joy into the lives of their children!” Ortiz said.

 Soboba Tribal Vice Chairwoman Geneva Mojado said she looks forward to connecting with the community at these events. “To see so many people take time to come out to help us secure Christmas gifts for the neediest children in our valley always makes me smile,” she said.

An additional 3,000 toys purchased at Walmart were made available to local nonprofits that serve the mission statement of the Soboba Foundation and had requested the donations. More than 300 Starbucks cards in the amount of $20 each were given to each district as gifts for students 14 and older in selected families receiving toys for their younger siblings.

Soboba Foundation President Dondi Silvas said, “It’s a blessing to be able to help bring some joy and cheer to kids, especially at this time of year.”

The post Soboba Delivers Busloads of Toys for Area Children appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

Also invited to the career and college day on Nov. 28 were students from Sherman Indian High School in Riverside. About 10 colleges were represented and a dozen or so businesses that ran the gamut from healthcare careers to entrepreneurship opportunities.

Each student was given a list of participants and was able to choose six that fit their interests and spend 12 minutes with each one. Groups of five students rotated through the tables that were set up at the Soboba Sports Complex to listen to presentations and ask questions they had about the career or college.

Delta Airlines offered information on aviation careers and Old Traditions Tattoo Parlor artists explained how they do what they do. Robert Young with Inland Memorial Harford Chapel shared insight on the funeral home business and fielded a lot of questions.

A variety of careers could be learned about through several Soboba entities. Michael West and Jacob Briones from the Soboba Fire Department explained how their jobs are about much more than fighting fires. Medical aid calls constitute a majority of the department’s duties, and each member has to be fully trained. It is recommended that potential fire department personnel go to EMT school to learn what they will need to know.

When asked how often they are called out, Briones said a busy day is usually about 15 calls, but the norm is about 5 to 6 per day. He told the students about the recently formed Explorers program that gives young people a firsthand look at what the different jobs entail and teaches them the proper use of the various equipment that needs to be used.

“Fire service is para-military, meaning there is a lot of structure behind it,” Briones said.

There were also recruiters from the Army and Navy at the fair to answer questions from those that are already thinking about enlisting right out of high school.

Craig Young has worked at Soboba’s IT Department as the Tribe’s Senior Graphic Designer for more than 12 years. He creates all print work that is put out on behalf of the Tribe as well as helping Tribal members with side work they may want.

“I’m not an artist, I’m a graphic designer,” he tells students who ask about his job. “I can’t put a pen to paper, but I can create anything with a computer.”

He recalled working with a young man during the Soboba Tribal TANF summer program who was a great sketch artist. Young said he taught Christian Rivera how to create digital art and ended up using one of his creations on a program for Soboba’s annual Intertribal Powwow back in 2013 and giving him artist credit on it. Young said he always likes to encourage students to find jobs in fields they already have a passion for.

The Soboba Casino Resort had three of its marketing department employees on hand to discuss what they do on a daily basis. Wade Abbas is a graphic designer who helps with the promotional materials put out by the casino. He said most students are curious as to what type of education is needed for this position. He always tells them that a career in marketing takes people from all over that have completed different journeys. There is no one clear-cut way to get to the end.

Corryn Salgado-Flores is a content creator specialist and enjoys working with a team of about 20 employees who are involved with player development, rewards and more programs to keep the excitement alive at the casino. Nathan Miranda started out as a Tribal member intern learning about many different positions at SCR. He settled on marketing because he has a passion for art, graphic design and photography.

“Seeing my designs being displayed around the casino gives me a good feeling,” Miranda said.

Soboba Tribal Family Services talked to students about all the different job opportunities within the field of social work. Team members from the nearby Riverside-San Bernardino County Indian Health Inc. Soboba Indian Health Clinic spoke about potential careers in the dental field.

Rynda Drennan is an RN Recruiter from San Gorgonio Memorial Hospital in Banning. She offered details on various nursing careers and provided students with a career plan of study to help them begin to achieve the necessary skills to enter the healthcare field.

Realtor Martin Cueva served double duty, educating students on a career in real estate as well as letting them know what they should look for when purchasing property. He said that being a realtor takes a combination of many different skills.

Jorge Esqueda brought a hands-on display that helped explain the types of things an electrician might be tasked with. He shared the fact there are many apprenticeship training centers throughout Southern California to help prepare them for electrical workforce jobs.

Lisa Castilone, Community Development & Tribal Program Manager with GRID Alternatives Inland Empire, shared some highlights from GRID’s Solar Futures program, past programming at Noli, women in solar and all the fantastic job opportunities in renewable energy.

“I explained to them that the skills they learn in this profession are something they can take anywhere; it’s not just a local job, it can be global,” she said.

Robert J. Levi II is a Tribal Elder/Culture Bearer in Residence at California State University, San Bernardino. He was hired in February of 2021 and was able to share how his job enables him to assist American Indian students with their transition to college.

“CSUSB realized the need for an elder to help retain American Indian students,” Levi said. “I showed an interest in the opportunity, and CSUSB Administration saw me as a person who can help them better serve the AI student body. So, to a degree my work does involve maintaining AI students to finish their degrees.”

As a San Diego State University graduate and citizen of the Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians, Levi is in an ideal position to address issues and concerns AI students may have about their education at this level.

“My involvement with our AI students is one of being their ‘strict’ uncle; making sure they are studying, asking about their grades and just being there for them,” he said. “I am part of a support team to make them less anxious and/or alienated at CSUSB. I am also the Staff Advisor for our CSUSB American Indian Student Organization.”

Levi works alongside First People’s Center Director Carlos Gonzales, VP of Student Affairs Dr. Molly Springer and the Office of Student Engagement to assist, in any way, the American Indian students.

He said during the career and college fair, most students who visited his table wanted to know about financial aid, campus life, living in the dorms, classes and what CSUSB has to offer American Indian students. He was able to share with them that most of the current AI students at the university are majoring in U.S. History, anthropology, nursing, psychology and political science.

The post Noli Students Explore Colleges and Careers appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

Each grade level from 6-12 chose to design a float based on this year’s theme of “Holidays.” The Class of 2029 took spectators to Bikini Bottom for SpongeBob SquarePants Day, Class of 2028 had a lovely float full of hearts for Valentine’s Day and Christmas was celebrated by the Class of 2027. High school freshmen took on New Year’s Eve for their holiday while the sophomores chose Independence Day. The juniors cleverly honored Mad Hatter’s Day and even depicted his famous tea party while the Class of 2023 seniors combined Disney and Halloween to bring a season-appropriate holiday to the forefront.

Grand Marshal DeeDee Vallejo, who was chosen by ASB students, was in the lead as the class floats made their way to The Oaks football stadium, joined by Soboba Fire Department, Soboba Parks and Recreation and other entries. Principal Donovan Post said Vallejo was chosen for her dedicated work with CASA and on behalf of domestic violence issues as well as her many years of supporting her children when they attended Noli.

Students rode on their class’s float and tossed candy to families who lined Castile Canyon Road, cheering for each holiday as it passed by. The Noli School Board chose the float winners, which were announced at halftime. First place went to New Year’s (freshmen), second place was won by SpongeBob (sixth graders) and third place was awarded to Christmas (eighth graders). Winners got a class-wide pizza party.

Also announced and introduced at halftime was this year’s Homecoming Court. Freshman Class Sweetheart Shawna Rivera is the daughter of Tanya Briones-Rivera and Louie Rivera. She was escorted by Freshman Class Sweetheart Aaron Devore, son of Rene Rhodes. Sophomore Class Duchess Davina Magante is the daughter of Melissa Morales and Donald Magante and Sophomore Class Duke is Babe Briones. Luisa Rivera, daughter of Tanya Briones-Rivera, is Junior Class Princess and she was escorted onto the field by Junior Class Prince Raymond Russell, son of Elizabeth and Raymond Russell.

Senior Class Queen Ciara Ramos is the daughter of Woolo Mendoza and granddaughter of Connie Briones. She plans to go into the medical field after graduation, or possibly become an entrepreneur with her own business. Javier Martinez reigned as Senior Class King.

Football team members who put it all on the field during the game were Seniors Anthony Contreras, Addis Martin and Javier Martinez. Completing the Braves lineup was Daigan Cyhan, Aaron Devore, Tishmal Goff, Johnny Gutierrez, Ferdencio Morreo, Ronald Morillo, Andrew Salgado, Anthony Salgado, Matthew Torres and Robert Valencia.

Other students got involved by taking photos throughout the week for the school yearbook. Contributing student photographers are sixth-graders Ruben Estanislao and Nickolas Melchor, freshmen Serena Hawk and Alana Arrietta, sophomore Davina Magante and juniors Maryhelen Hurtado and Matthew Torres. Contributing staff photographers are Lend Slay Frison III, Kekai Bryant and Andrea Duran.

The post Noli Indian School Celebrates Homecoming Week appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

To assist those who live and work on the Soboba Indian Reservation, Soboba Fire Captain Roger Salmo presented three classes in June to provide education and safety tips. The Wildland Urban Interface Fire Preparation and Survival Class was offered at no cost to participants through a grant from Cal Fire.

Focusing on preparation for those living and working close to nature, the classes outlined what to do before, during and after a WUI fire. These classes were scheduled after a need was identified to offer more communication about health and safety for residents. With the resources gained from three grants, much headway has been made in addressing the potential fire issues in the area.

Members of the Traditional Land Resources Management Crew, otherwise known as the Canyon Crew, cut back overgrowth on the west side of the reservation, which is the major point where a wildfire would enter the area. Another grant provided for dissemination of information through an automated text system. The third grant will help implement a nationwide program that can be adapted to any emergency – flood, earthquake, fire, etc.

A Tribal Emergency Response Team/Community Emergency Response Team basic training class will be offered in September. CERT training is a Federal Emergency Management Agency training class that will educate residents about disaster preparedness for the hazards that will impact their community. Participants will be trained in basic disaster response skills such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization and disaster medical operations. Those who complete the three-day class and all units and exercises, will receive a certificate and CERT backpack.

Capt. Salmo said the purpose of the upcoming readiness training, as well as June’s classes on “Ready, Set, Go!,” is to make sure everyone is prepared and knows each person can make a difference.

Soboba Fire Chief Glenn Patterson said that wildfire is a serious threat to lives, property and natural resources in California.

“The men and women of Soboba Fire make countless preparations and train frequently in order to be ready for all types of emergencies,” he said, adding that residents can dramatically increase their safety and the survivability of their property by preparing well in advance of a wildfire.

Statistics from FEMA show that more than 46 million residents in 70,000 communities are at risk of wildfires and almost 90% of wildland fires are caused by people.

Salmo described the importance of defensible space, which is what firefighters need to protect properties. The buffer created by removing weeds, brush and other vegetation helps keep the fire away from the home and reduces the risks from flying embers. He said that ember fires can destroy homes or neighborhoods far from the actual flame front of a wildfire.

Defensible space is the required space between a structure and the wildland area that, under normal conditions, creates a sufficient buffer to slow or halt the spread of wildfire to a structure. It consists of two zones, the first one extending 30 feet out from the buildings. All dead or dying vegetation should be removed, tree canopies should be trimmed and branches should be kept a minimum of 10 feet from structures and other trees. Leaf litter such as dry leaves and pine needles should be removed from the yard, roof and rain gutters. Woodpiles or other combustible materials should be removed or moved further from the structure. “Ladder fuels” which is low-level vegetation that allows the fire to spread from the ground to the tree canopies, should be removed as well as any vegetation near windows.

The second zone extends 30 to 100 feet out from buildings, structures and decks. It is important to remove ladder fuels in this area as well, plus cut or mow grass to a maximum height of four inches.

The important first step is to get “Ready” by creating various checklists to help prepare a Wildfire Action Plan and practice the plans regularly so the entire family knows what to do. A Family Disaster Plan should include meeting locations and communication plans, including evacuation of large animals. Have fire extinguishers on hand and train all family members how to use them. Learn where all the utility shut-off controls are and how to use them. Plan several different evacuation routes. Assemble an emergency supply kit for the home and one for the car. Appoint an out-of-area friend or relative as a point of contact and have a portable radio or scanner that can provide updates on the fire.

As the fire approaches “Get Set” by alerting family and neighbors and making sure everyone is wearing appropriate clothing and has picked up the emergency supply kit. All windows and doors should be shut but left unlocked; flammable window shades and curtains should be removed; flammable furniture should be moved to the center of the room, away from windows and doors; gas and pilot lights should be shut off as well as air conditioning units, but lights should be left on so firefighters can see under smoky conditions.

The outdoors checklist should contain gathering up flammable items from the exterior of the home such as toys for children and pets, door mats and patio furniture and taking them inside; propane tanks should be turned off while exterior lights should be turned on; have a ladder available; seal attic and ground vents with pre-cut plywood or commercial seals if time permits to avoid embers entering the home; continue to patrol your property and extinguish all small fires until you leave, but always evacuate when authorities tell you to do so. Back your vehicle into the driveway but leave all doors and windows shut.

Create a checklist in case the unfortunate circumstance arises of being unable to leave the area. Items include knowing to shelter away from outside walls, bring garden hoses inside the house so embers don’t destroy them, patrol inside your home for spot fires and extinguish them, wear long sleeves and long pants made of natural fibers such as cotton, stay hydrated, fill sinks and tubs for an emergency water supply and place wet towels under doors to keep smoke and embers out. After the fire has passed, check your roof and extinguish any fires, sparks or embers; check inside the attic for hidden embers; patrol your property and extinguish small fires. If there are fires that you cannot extinguish with a small amount of water or in a short period of time, call 911.

It is recommended to “Go” early, which gives you the best chance of surviving a wildfire and helps firefighters by keeping roads clear of congestion. Leave to a predetermined location and have several travel routes mapped out in case one is blocked by fire or emergency vehicles and equipment. Take your emergency supply kits containing all necessary items for your family and pets.

The American Red Cross recommends assembling a supply kit long before a wildfire or other emergency occurs. A checklist is helpful to be sure nothing is overlooked. The following commonly needed items should be included: three-day supply of water, one gallon per person per day; three-day supply of non-perishable food for all family members and pets that can be accessed easily (pop-top cans, bags, boxes); first-aid kit; flashlight, battery-powered radio and extra batteries; an extra set of car keys, credit cards and cash; sanitation supplies; extra eyeglasses or contact lenses; important family documents and contact numbers; a map marked with evacuation routes; prescriptions or special medications; family photos and other irreplaceable items; easily carried valuables; personal computers; and chargers for all electronic devices. It is advised that a pair of old shoes and a flashlight be kept handy in case of a sudden evacuation at night.

Salmo also explained that the best course of action is prevention and that creating fire-resistant landscaping and using the right type of construction materials on structures gives homes the best chance of surviving a wildfire. He also said that reservation residents can request assistance from the Soboba Fire Department and Canyon Crew in learning how to create proper defensible spaces.

For more information, www.usfa.fema.gov/wui, www.redcross.org or www.fire.soboba-nsn.gov.

Find your latest news here at the Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle

The post Soboba Fire Department Shares Fire Safety Tips appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.

Treatment activities consist of mowing and thinning which will assist in reducing the potential loss of human life and damage to property and natural resources on the Soboba Reservation and they will be meeting three fire management goals which are to establish immediate and long-term safety of tribal residents and visitors to the reservation, continue to maintain and upgrade the fuel breaks around the reservation, and to reduce fuel loading to acceptable levels.

Soboba Fire Captain Roger Salmo said training for this position is an ongoing objective since the position is very dynamic with factors like weather, topography and workers’ conditioning. The training consists of Wildland Urban Interface scope of practice like cutting fire lines, creating defensible space, handling and cleaning of tools and equipment. All crew members were required to wear eye/ear protection, long-sleeved shirts, gloves and a minimum ankle height (above ankle) footwear.

The main project objectives were to reduce the potential fire activity intensity in the project area, thereby decreasing the threat of and damage to the tribe’s resources such as residential units and tribal infrastructure facilities, improve wildfire suppression capabilities and control line production potential within the fuel break, meet the goal of “continuing to maintain and upgrade the fuel breaks around the reservation.”

The project consists of maintaining fire breaks, weed abatement and thinning and clearing of brush around buildings and residences on the reservation. The crew utilized weed eaters, chainsaws and any necessary hand tools plus heavy equipment that is already owned by the tribe, to accomplish the treatment activities. Completion of the project will be determined by Soboba Fire Chief Glenn Patterson who is monitoring the project weekly for compliance of treatment objectives.

“The objective for this project was to create a contingency fire break between the primary CalFire dozer line and houses located on the West/Northwest side of reservation,” Fire Captain Roger Salmo said. “We are also created a 100-ft. defensible space around the houses that are in the most fire danger.”

For personal tips on how to be prepared, please visit www.readyforwildfire.org.

Find your latest news here at the Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle

The post SOBOBA GETS PROACTIVE TO PREVENT WILDFIRES appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.