SACRAMENTO — This week marks California’s annual “Wildfire Preparedness Week,” and CAL FIRE is raising awareness and encouraging families and communities to take a proactive approach in personal wildfire preparedness.

According to CAL FIRE, California has experienced five of the deadliest wildfires and seven of the most destructive wildfires in state history over the last three years, with more than 3.7 million acres burned, some 34,000 structures destroyed, and more than 145 lives tragically lost.

So far in 2020, CAL FIRE has responded to more than 900 wildfires that have burned more than 1,100 acres.

Since last year, California has been amplifying resources to protect public safety, including the completion of 35 high priority fuel reduction projects. The 35 projects resulted in protecting 90,000 acres by directly treating 12,000 acres.

Additionally, CAL FIRE plans to directly treat 50,000 acres this year.

“As we continue to deal with challenging times, we want to make sure Californians know we are prepared for this year’s fire season, and also, the importance of them knowing what they can do to prepare themselves,” said CAL FIRE Chief Thom Porter.

CAL FIRE is encouraging Californians to access the revamped “Ready for Wildfire” web-based app, which is a helpful resource to use in year-round preparation.

You can find more information and download the app here.