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Returning Home After Tamarack Fire Evacuations ❖ Residents are asked to limit their travel as much as possible due to fire traffic and for the safety of the firefighters and residents. ❖ Residents are asked to stay on their properties and should only travel from their homes to pick up essential needs such as groceries, supplies, etc. ❖ Residents should be prepared to evacuate again should hazardous conditions occur. ❖ Residents should watch for heavy fire truck traffic. Do not drive distracted (no texting and driving). ❖ Residents are encouraged to drive with their headlights on for increased visibility and obey speed limit signs. WHAT YOU MAY NOTICE ❖ Firefighters may still be working in your area with structure protection equipment. Fire response equipment will be removed when it is no longer needed. Please do not interfere with firefighters as they are working. ❖ Vegetation may have been altered to make the area more secure from fire. ❖ Brush may have been cut and/or piled, trees may have lower branches removed, and some trees may have been cut down in certain areas to eliminate risk. Watch for potential overhead hazards. ❖ Resident firewood piles may have been moved away from their properties to eliminate fuel against structures. POTENTIAL BURN ZONE DANGERS ❖ ‘Hot spots’ may flare up without warning. Expect islands of unburned fuel within a fire area. Smoke and possible isolated flare-ups may occur for several weeks. ➢ Hot spots could include smoldering stumps, an occasional torching tree, or burning underbrush within the existing fire perimeter. ➢ Not all hot spots need to be extinguished if they are a safe distance from firelines or structures.Unless immediately adjacent to your home or outbuilding, allow the hot spot to burn out on its own, ➢ All other non-threatening smoldering areas can be monitored for any changes. ❖ Avoid ash pits and vocalize their location and warn family and neighbors to keep clear of the pits. It is common for roots to burn deep in the ground for several weeks. This hazard has potential to burn pets. ---PAGE BREAK--- ❖ It is very common for fire damaged trees or burned structures to fall and for rocks and other debris to come cascading down slopes. If it is windy, leave the area to avoid being struck. ❖ Watch out for downed power lines, contact your power company about the status of these utilities. ❖ Some areas may see an increased risk of flooding and mudslides should heavy rain occur. Flood risk may be higher while vegetation regrows. ❖ It is a good idea to take photographs right away to document any fire damage to your property. HAZARDS INSIDE THE HOME ❖ Gas or carbon monoxide leaks may occur; residents are encouraged to inspect their homes and call proper utility providers to have suspected leaks inspected by a professional insoector. ❖ Residents are encouraged to test their water before drinking, preparing food, washing hands, making ice, etc. ❖ Exhaust from generators is toxic. Only operate generators outside, away from doors, vents or windows. ❖ If the power has been out, refrigerated or frozen foods should be thrown away. ❖ Food in cans and jars should be discarded if they have been exposed to extreme heat. Heat from a fire can activate food spoilage from bacteria. ❖ Raw foods stored outside of the refrigerator and foods stored in packaging such as cardboard cellophane, or plastic wrap, should be discarded if it has been exposed to smoke fumes from burning materials. Hazardous fumes can permeate packaging and contaminate food. ❖ Residents should use county-provided dumpsters that are intended for spoiled food to eliminate hazards from bears. OTHER CONSIDERATIONS ❖ Residents may not have power or telephone service and are encouraged to exercise caution as it may be difficult to call for help if there is a serious injury or emergency. ❖ When working outside or in a burned area, it is encouraged to wear leather gloves and heavy soled shoes for protection. For more information: Information office: (775) 434-8629, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. Media inquiries: (775) 434-8110, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. Email: [EMAIL REDACTED] Inciweb: Facebook: Twitter: Youtube: Interactive fire map: Alpine County Evacuation Information: Douglas County Evacuation Information: