PM Update for August 28, 2020
Solano County has started allowing some residents to return to their properties. Returning home can bring about a whole new set of challenges.
Solano County officials allowed more residents to return to their property on Friday as part of its re-population efforts for portions of rural Vacaville and Fairfield impacted by the LNU Lightning Complex wildfire.
Residents who fall under Phase 2 of the re-entry plan include those who own property north of Vaca Valley Road up to Cantelow Road and from Pleasants Valley Road to Gibson Canyon Road. Residents under Phase 1 were allowed to return to their property on Thursday and continued to do so on Friday.
Numerous long-term dangers still exist after a wildfire, including the possibility of “flare-ups” or other new fires, falling power lines or trees, and flash flooding in the winter months due to loose ground. And post-wildfire life can trigger new emotions for homeowners and other property owners, especially for those who need financial or other types of assistance due to property loss. According to a psychologist quoted by The Atlantic, 10 to 30 percent of wildfire survivors develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression or other diagnosable mental health conditions.
Those experiencing a mental health emergency should call 9-1-1 immediately. Others who need non-emergency counseling can call the Mental Health San Francisco warmline at 1-855-844-7415. The warmline is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is open to all California residents.
Fast Facts
372,344 acres burned
35 percent contained
2,777 firefighters, 40 crews assigned to fire
1,080 structures destroyed across six counties
More than 240 buildings impacted in Solano County
5 fatalities, 4 injuries confirmed
Public information line: 1-707-967-4207
Information accurate as of Friday, August 28 at 8 p.m. PDT
Weekend Weather
Haze will continue throughout Solano County from Friday evening to early Saturday morning with a southwest wind from 10 to 15 miles per hour. Temperatures will be seasonal from the mid-90s across the county with light breezes throughout the day and night. Temperatures start to increase early next week, settling around 100 degrees by next Friday. As of Friday evening, there is no indication that the National Weather Service will issue a Fire Weather Watch, Red Flag Warning or other severe weather advisory. (Get the latest forecast)
Re-Population Begins
On Friday, the Solano County Office of Emergency Service issued a notice via Alert Solano announcing additional portions of rural Vacaville where residents are now allowed to return to their property.
The Solano County Sheriff’s Office, Office of Emergency Services, and the Solano County Department of Resource Management, Public Works division, are working in coordination with CAL FIRE, local fire chiefs, PG&E and the water agency on a phased re-population process to help residents return safely to their property after being evacuated because of the LNU Lighting Complex fire.
Re-population efforts are occurring in phases, meaning residents will be allowed to return to their properties when public safety agencies determine those areas are safe for re-entry. Utility workers and fire crews are likely to remain in areas for the next few weeks.
Before returning to their property, residents will need to visit Solano County’s Re-Entry Center located at Mission Church, 6391 Leisure Town Road, Vacaville. A valid form of identification or proof of residency will be required before re-entry is granted. (Read more about re-population efforts)
Mental Health Resources
Experiencing a wildfire can be a stressful and traumatic event that could lead to anxiousness, feelings of isolation and depression. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, call 9–1–1 immediately. If you are in need of non-emergency counseling, Mental Health San Francisco offers a toll-free, 24-hour peer support line for all California residents at 1–855-844–7415.
Some other tips for coping during a wildfire or other emergency:
Limit your exposure to wildfire-related images. Watching live news reports on television or online can be helpful during an ongoing emergency, but repeated and sustained exposure to stories that contain wildfire imagery can trigger traumatic emotional responses. Reading a local newspaper or listening to news radio broadcasts can help limit this exposure during the recovery process.
Find support in friends and family. Discussing your anxiety, feelings of isolation or depression with a trusted partner, loved one or friend can help ease these traumatic responses.
Eat right and exercise. These are proven stress-relief techniques that boost physical and emotional wellness. Resist the temptation to stress eat, try to get at least 15–30 minutes of exercise, and try new stress-relief techniques like meditation and deep breathing.
Your children will look to you for influence. During an emergency, children look to trusted adults for guidance on how to cope and recover from a traumatic event. Taking care of your physical and emotional health is crucial to ensure a positive recovery for you and your children.
Alert Solano
The Solano County Sheriff’s Department is requesting members of the community sign up for Alert Solano, a free service that offers real-time public safety alerts, including evacuation notices, severe weather, road closures/openings and other critical information. These alerts are delivered by phone call, text messages and/or email messages based on your preference. (Sign up here)
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LNU Solano is not affiliated with Solano County or any public safety agency. During times of crisis, always follow the direction of law enforcement and other public safety officials. Plan ahead for wildfires at www.readyforwildfire.org.