Latest news with #WildfireAwarenessMonth
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
WA's first Smokey Bear license plate available; funds going to human-caused wildfire campaigns
Washington state will have a new vanity license plate up for grabs-- everyone's favorite wildfire prevention mammal. Smokey Bear is officially taking his show on the road. Gov. Bob Ferguson signed a law on Tuesday that would authorize a special license plate depicting Smokey Bear. The purchase of this license plate will help fund the Department of Natural Resources' (DNR) efforts to prevent human-caused wildfires and support wildland firefighters. 'It's fitting that our state's first Smokey Bear license plate has been passed by the State Legislature during Wildfire Awareness Month,' Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove said. 'Approximately 90 percent of wildfires every year are human caused. We couldn't have a better advocate for wildfire prevention crisscrossing Washington along our interstates, highways and roads than Smokey.' Smokey Bear has been the face of wildfire prevention around the world since 1944. 'The Smokey Bear license plate will allow Washingtonians to show their support for firefighters while supporting DNR's efforts to drastically reduce the number of wildfires started by humans. The Smokey Bear license plate will also raise public awareness of wildfire prevention, letting everyone know that we all can help ensure the safety of our neighbors,' DNR wrote on its website. The Smokey Bear license plate will be available for purchase on Nov. 1 for a fee of $40 for the initial plate and a renewal fee of $30.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Smokey Bear license plate coming to WA to help fund wildfire prevention
The Brief The new Smokey Bear license plate was approved in Washington and will fund wildfire prevention and support wildland firefighters. The plates will be available starting Nov. 1 for $40, with $30 annual renewal, benefiting the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Proceeds will raise awareness of human-caused wildfires, which account for 90% of wildfires in the state. OLYMPIA, Wash. - Washington drivers will soon be able to show their support for wildfire prevention with a new specialty license plate featuring the iconic Smokey Bear. Governor Bob Ferguson signed Senate Bill 5444 into law this week, authorizing the state's first Smokey Bear plate to support efforts to reduce human-caused wildfires. The plate will be available for purchase beginning Nov. 1. Drivers can purchase the plate for an initial fee of $40, with a $30 annual renewal fee. Proceeds from the sales of the Smoky Bear plates will go directly to the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to support wildfire prevention programs and wildland firefighter resources. "It's fitting that our state's first Smokey Bear license plate has been passed by the State Legislature during Wildfire Awareness Month," said Public Lands Commissioner Dave Upthegrove, who celebrated the bill's signing. "Approximately 90 percent of wildfires every year are human-caused. We couldn't have a better advocate for wildfire prevention crisscrossing Washington along our interstates, highways and roads than Smokey. The new license plate continues Smokey Bear's mission to raise awareness about wildfire prevention, a role the beloved mascot has held since 1944. The goal is to increase public visibility of fire safety messaging while also generating funding for fire prevention programs. Commissioner Upthegrove thanked Rep. Donaghy and Sen. Nobles, the bill's prime sponsors, for their work over two legislative sessions to get the bill passed. The Smokey Bear license plate joins Washington's growing list of specialty plates that benefit various state programs and causes, offering residents a new way to make an impact from behind the wheel. For more information or to view images of the new plate, visit the Washington DNR website. The Source Information in this story came from a Washington Department of Natural Resources press release. Recovery effort underway after boat sinks in Possession Sound near Everett, WA Is Tacoma's Teekah Lewis cold case finally coming to a close? Here's what we know Over 100 Rite Aid and Bartell Drugs stores to close, including 8 in WA Marymoor Park announces 2025 summer concert series lineup in Redmond, WA Olympia, WA man dies at Grand Canyon after lengthy hike To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter. Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Yahoo
Colorado Springs Mayor talks public safety during May briefing
(COLORADO SPRINGS) — Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade hosted his May briefing on Thursday, May 15, in which he focused on public safety and announced the City's police department had hit a milestone for the first time. Mayor Mobolade stated that for the first time, the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) had almost 800 officers, with a retirement bringing it down to 799. Compared to cities with similar populations, such as Albuquerque, New Mexico, with 1140 officers and Mesa, Arizona, with 979 officers, Colorado Springs had fewer officers, according to Mayor Mobolade. The mayor also noted that the City has hired 222 new officers. Police Chief Adrian Vasquez did mention that CSPD was working on increasing recruitment and now has year-long rolling applications for the police academy. Mayor Mobolade also celebrated another milestone, as the Communications Center is at its 'closest' to full staffing since 2016. The center has also added a Real-Time Crime Center at the same location. As for crime and crashes, Mobolade mentioned that crashes were down by 10% and injury incidents were down by 29%. Traffic tickets, however, were up by 12% this year. 'The biggest reason is you, the drivers of Colorado Springs,' Mobolade said. 'You are making smarter, safer choices behind the wheel, and it is saving lives. Now, let me be clear, police officers would rather educate and engage and encourage voluntary compliance than write tickets. We're not here to punish. We're here to protect.' The Colorado Springs Mayor further encouraged the community to also take initiative to prevent fires and protect homes, with May being Wildfire Awareness Month. 'Everything that I've shared with you today, from staffing, innovation, enforcement, and preparedness, is part of this bigger vision of making Colorado Springs one of the safest cities in the country,' said Mayor Mobolade. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Mercury Insurance Shares How to Prepare for an Evacuation During Wildfire Season
Tips to Help Families Stay Safe and Ready During Wildfire Awareness Month LOS ANGELES, May 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In recognition of Wildfire Awareness Month, Mercury Insurance is sharing timely, practical guidance to help families prepare for potential evacuations. From building a go-bag to making a communication plan, these simple steps can help you act swiftly and decisively in the face of danger. "Preparing for a wildfire evacuation involves several critical actions, and starting early is one of the best ways homeowners can protect their families and communities," said Kelly Butler, Vice President and Chief Underwriting Officer at Mercury Insurance. "Simple steps taken now can make all the difference later." Mercury Insurance, long committed to protecting homeowners in wildfire-prone areas, recommends these essential tips to help families stay ready: Create a Go-Bag for Every Household MemberPack essentials like IDs, medications, toiletries, spare keys, a phone charger, important documents, cash, water, snacks and clothing. Be sure to include necessities for children, pets and elderly family members. Prepare Your Vehicle in AdvanceKeep your gas tank at least half full throughout the wildfire season. Store a physical map, emergency contact list, a flashlight/lantern, and a backup power source for your phone in your vehicle. Document Your PropertyTake photos or videos of each room in your home — including valuables, electronics and appliances. Store these files securely online to assist with future insurance claims. Make a Communication PlanEstablish evacuation routes and a meeting spot if family members get separated. Share the plan with neighbors or extended family and choose an out-of-area contact with whom everyone can check in. Sign Up for Emergency AlertsEnroll in local emergency notification systems — like Watch Duty or Citizen — that provide real-time evacuation updates. Many counties offer text-based or app notifications. Prep Your Home Before You LeaveClose all windows and doors, shut off gas and propane, and remove flammable items from around the yard. If time allows, leave garden hoses connected and ladders out for firefighters to access the roof. Leave indoor and outdoor lights on to help visibility through smoke. "Wildfires can move fast, so preparedness needs to be second nature for families in vulnerable areas," added Butler. "These small steps not only protect your safety — they can also give first responders a better chance to defend your home." Peace of Mind Starts With a PlanMercury Insurance provides expert tools and guidance to help residents prepare before emergencies hit. Through digital resources and trusted local agents, Mercury is here to help families stay ready. For more information and additional preparedness tips, visit the Mercury Insurance Catastrophe Center. About Mercury Insurance Headquartered in Los Angeles, Mercury Insurance (NYSE: MCY) is a multiple-line insurance carrier offering personal auto, homeowners, and renters insurance directly to consumers and through a network of independent agents in Arizona, California, Georgia, Illinois, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Texas and Virginia, as well as auto insurance in Florida. Mercury also writes business owners, business auto, landlord, commercial multi-peril and mechanical protection insurance in various states. Since 1962, Mercury has provided customers with tremendous value by pairing ultra-competitive rates with excellent customer service, through nearly 4,100 employees and more than 6,500 independent agents. Mercury has earned "A" ratings from A.M. Best and Fitch, along with "Best Auto Insurance Company" honors from Forbes and Learn more at or follow the company on Twitter or Facebook. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Mercury Insurance Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
‘Fire season is here,' Gov. Kotek declares May Wildfire Awareness Month, state prepares
Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Generate Key Takeaways Gov. Tina Kotek (left), State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple (center), and Oregon Department of Forestry Deputy Director Kyle Williams (right) at a wildfire briefing May 7, 2025. Kotek said the season would likely be more aggressive than in years past. (Alex Baumhardt/Oregon Capital Chronicle). State fire experts are expecting an even more aggressive and difficult wildfire season this summer but said they are prepared and positioning themselves to respond quickly in light of last year's staggering burns. Despite a considerable amount of winter moisture and strong snow pack at higher elevations, Oregon's increasingly hotter, drier summers will quickly dry out vegetation and create dangerous conditions, Gov. Tina Kotek said at a news conference Wednesday. 'Fire season is here,' she said. 'By July and August we will experience above average severity that will culminate in September and October as we reach peak fire danger.' The conference was held at the Oregon Department of Forestry's fire cache in Salem, where the agency keeps millions of dollars worth of equipment and supplies for its logistics and tactical teams and for firefighters around the state. Kotek also signed a proclamation declaring May 'Wildfire Awareness Month.' 'Every Oregonian has a role in preventing wildfires,' she said. 'Drown the campfire, stir the ashes and drown it again until it's cool to the touch. Every Oregonian needs to know the fire danger level where they live. And please follow the rules and the notices when you get them.' Kotek and the forestry department's deputy director, Kyle Williams, said that after last year's record-breaking fires — nearly 2,000 of them that burned nearly 2 million acres — they've learned to declare emergencies early so agencies can collaborate and coordinate, to boost aerial surveying for wildfires to get to them before they grow and to establish more spots around the state where helicopters, planes and crews can land and be deployed quickly. Oregon's Department of Forestry is hoping to fill 400 seasonal firefighting jobs to compliment about 300 permanent staff, Williams said. Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said her agency will bring on 1,500 structural firefighters for the season. 'Other than that, we're going to rely on our partners again,' Williams said. Those partners include the more than 11,000 firefighters from more than 300 fire departments around the state who make up the Oregon Fire Mutual Aid System, firefighting companies that have hand crews and equipment the state can contract and federal wildland firefighters. David Allen, fire cache manager at the Oregon Department of Forestry, shows shelves of Nomex flame resistant firefighting clothes May 7, 2025 at the state's cache, which contains millions of dollars of firefighting equipment. (Alex Baumhardt/Oregon Capital Chronicle) Kotek said it was essential that the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management also scale up a robust wildfire fighting force for federal lands — which make up about half the state — this summer. Williams said partners at those federal agencies are 'anticipating being able to hire all of those folks. What might not show up on the fire line is still yet to be determined, but we're going to be as prepared as possible and then engage other states, compact states and provinces.' Oregon has a compact with Northwest states and Canada to share firefighters and firefighting resources as needed. Kotek said that strain between the Canadian and U.S. governments over tariffs and President Donald Trump's threats to Canada's sovereignty are so far not dampening the relationship between northwest states and provinces over firefighting. 'I haven't heard anything different. It's business as usual. We're all going to support each other, and hopefully we don't have any kind of restrictions at the border,' Kotek said. She is also asking the state Legislature to come up with a $150 million fund that can be tapped to cover extraordinary expenses or to front payments to contractors that will then be reimbursed by the federal government. Kotek had to call a special session of the Legislature in December to appropriate more than $200 million to cover the state's outstanding fire costs. The state spent more than $350 million fighting wildfires in 2024. While half is expected to be reimbursed by federal agencies, state agencies have to pay contractors for their work upfront while they wait, sometimes for a year or more, for federal reimbursement. Kotek said she has no reason to believe federal agencies will renege on obligations to reimburse the state and to help in a wildfire emergency in Oregon, especially on federal land. 'The federal government needs to provide the resources to make sure when it's (fire) on federal land, they are ready,' she said. 'Because when we're on state land, we are ready.' SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
