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Californians near wildland fireproof their homes

Conservationist Steve Johnson knew the risks when he moved to Fitch Mountain in northern California's Sonoma County. He's surrounded by nature.

"The question is, is it worth the risk to live at a place like this? And I think for us, our answer was it's worth the risk."

That risk he's referring to is the wildfire season which typically starts in late spring.

Last year, the Kincade Fire that burned 77,000 acres of land forced him and 340 other locals to evacuate.

To prepare for future wildfires, Fitch Mountain resident Priscilla Abercrombie started a local chapter of the group, Citizens Organized to Prepare for Emergencies. Among other things, the group collects contact info, names of those who need special assistance, and it identifies homes with water sources that firefighters can tap in an emergency.

"The purpose really is neighbor helping neighbor."

Neighbors like Steve Johnson also work with the local fire department, including Fire Marshal Division Chief Linda Collister who recently inspected Johnson's home. She recommends that residents protect the home by removing dead plants and trees and replacing wooden fences with metal fences.

Johnson said he has removed five trees that were too close to his home. He says that's the least he could do to help firefighters who risk their lives to save people's houses.

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Conservationist Steve Johnson knew the risks when he moved to Fitch Mountain in northern California's Sonoma County. He's surrounded by nature and wildland.

"The question is, is it worth the risk to live at a place like this? And I think for us, our answer was it's worth the risk."

That risk he's referring to is the fire season. Last year, the Kincade Fire that burned 77,000 acres forced him and 340 others on Fitch Mountain to evacuate.

To prepare for future wildfires, resident Priscilla Abercrombie started a local chapter of the Citizens Organized to Prepare for Emergencies. Among other things, the group collects contact info, names of those who need special assistance, and it identifes homes with water sources that firefighters can tap.

"The purpose really is neighbor helping neighbor."

Neighbors like Steve Johnson also work with the local fire department. Fire Marshal Division Chief Linda Collister inspected Johnson's home. She recommends that residents create defensible spaces that will protect the home by removing dead plants and trees and replacing wooden fences with metal fences.

Johnson said he has removed five trees that were too close to his home. He says that's the least he could do to help firefighters who risk their lives to save people's houses.