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After the Smoke Clears: Preparing for Iowa’s Next Fire Season

While the neighboring states of Oregon and California have historically been home to more fires, Iowa has seen its fair share of blazing infernos. Now that the colder months are upon us, most people aren’t thinking about wildfires any more, but now is a good time for Iowans to educate themselves about fire safety and preparation without the threat looming over them. After all, it’s not a good idea to wait until the last minute as you’ll find yourself researching these things while flames claim thousands of acres and the wind carries smoke for miles into nearby cities.

Protecting Property and Livestock from Direct Fire Damage

The primary fire concern for most property owners is protecting their homes and land from wildfires, which are known to quickly spiral out of control. An example of the potential for such rapid property loss can be seen in the 2017 Santa Rosa, CA fire that claimed a huge chunk of Hewlett Packard’s historic archives. According to Capital Wired, the fire destroyed almost 80 years of HP’s history. Surprisingly much of this data was not backed up and was instead preserved only in its original form. Such catastrophes serve as a reminder of the importance of backing everything up and practicing data redundancy as much as possible. In addition, property owners should utilize fire monitoring services during fire season to prepare themselves for the rare possibility of encountering a direct threat due to fast moving flames.

A History of Air Quality Being Affected by Nearby Fires

Although the state of Iowa isn’t known as one of the most fire-prone states in the U.S., it lies just south of Alberta, Canada, where some of the worst fires in history have happened. When the wind blows south, this can cause a huge problem for air quality in Northern Iowa, as was the case in 2015 when Des Moines was covered in a thick blanket of smoke blown down from massive fires in the Canadian wilderness. Air pollution is therefore the most common concern that residents of Iowa should worry about, particularly those who suffer from breathing problems. Staying on top of local air pollution advisories is the best way to ensure you’re not caught out in a smoky haze unexpectedly.

Sensitive and Elderly Residents Are Urged to Stay Indoors

Staying inside and using your home’s air conditioning filter to bring fresh air into the home is the recommended course of action whenever air quality is significantly affected by smoke. Usually the smoke will only be a mild irritant, but the elderly and those with respiratory conditions like asthma may find it to be especially aggravating. State officials recommend that such sensitive individuals use a mask for protection if they absolutely have to leave their homes during times of heavy air pollution.

Preparing for Even Worse Fire Seasons

With the prevalence of wildfires in the U.S. expected to increase during the next 5-10 years, now is an ideal time for North Iowans to educate themselves on fire safety in preparation for the upcoming season.

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