Spring Rain Could Increase California Wildfire Risk

3/6/2019 (Permalink)

Soot and ash is highly acidic. If left unaddressed, it can corrode and discolor surfaces. Call SERVPRO to clean up wildfire damage right away.

Los Angeles and, indeed, all of Southern California has enjoyed - well, experienced anyway - a particularly heavy rainy season. While mudslides and storm flooding cause problems for many homeowners, particularly those living in the burn area of recent wildfires, there's no doubt that this rain should still be considered a good thing.

For one, most of the Los Angeles area is no longer experiencing drought conditions. So while water conservation is still important, we may not need to feel quite so guilty while we tend to our greener lawns or bask in a long, hot shower.

One drawback to all of this precipitation, however, is that it brings with it an increase in wildfire risk. That probably sounds counter-intuitive. After all, rain makes things wet and wet things don't burn. That's true. But water also helps make things grow. And if those things - trees, bushes, shrubs etc - grow well and then dry out over a long, hot summer, the result is a lot of prime fuel just waiting for a stray spark.

Which means now is as good a time as any to review your wildfire action plan. Or prepare your home for wildfire season by trimming back all of that newly lush vegetation. And if you're planning home improvement projects this year, consider using eco-friendly, and fire resistant, materials.

Preparation and prevention are the key to avoiding wildfire damage. But should the worst happen, SERVPRO of North Hollywood is here to help. Call us anytime, 24/7, if your home or business experiences fire or water damage. We're highly trained and certified restoration specialists and we're faster to any size disaster, so don't hesitate to call on us to repair and restore your property "Like it never even happened."