Fire Safe San Mateo News

Available maps and data to help assess air quality resulting from fires

Actual image of smoke: NASA satellite image

Air quality (based on frequently updated measures of particulate matter): purpleair.com

Air quality from US EPA (includes a mix of high and low-cost sensor which measure particulate matter): Fire and Smoke Map

Spare the Air info and Air Quality Index maps through Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD)

Air Quality Forecasts (table format) through BAAQMD and sign up for AirAlerts

NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) Air Quality Forecast Guidance (map format- change menu option to "surface smoke")

Incident Website: https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/

Evacuation Map: www.smco.community.zonehaven.com

Email Updates (sign up here): https://tinyurl.com/CZUlightning

Incident Website: https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/

Evacuation Map: www.smco.community.zonehaven.com

Email Updates (sign up here): https://tinyurl.com/CZUlightning

Evacuation website from CAL FIRE: https://www.readyforwildfire.org/prepare-for-wildfire/go-evacuation-guide/evacuation-steps/

CAL FIRE evacuation guide: https://www.readyforwildfire.org/wp-content/uploads/calfire_go_brochure_LINOweb.pdf

When immediate evacuation is necessary, follow these steps as soon as possible to get ready to GO!

Evacuation What to Take and Do:

1. Review your Evacuation Plan Checklist.
2. Ensure your Emergency Supply Kit is in your vehicle.
3. Cover-up to protect against heat and flying embers. Wear long pants, long sleeve shirt, heavy shoes/boots, cap, dry bandanna for face cover, goggles or glasses. 100% cotton is preferable.
4. Locate your pets and take them with you.

When to Evacuate

Leave as soon as evacuation is recommended by fire officials to avoid being caught in fire, smoke or road congestion. Don’t wait to be ordered by authorities to leave. Evacuating the forest fire area early also helps firefighters keep roads clear of congestion, and lets them move more freely to do their job. In an intense wildfire, they will not have time to knock on every door. If you are advised to leave, don’t hesitate!

• Officials will determine the areas to be evacuated and escape routes to use depending upon the fire’s location, behavior, winds, terrain, etc.
• Law enforcement agencies are typically responsible for enforcing an evacuation order. Follow their directions promptly.
• You will be advised of potential evacuations as early as possible. You must take the initiative to stay informed and aware. Listen to your radio/TV for announcements from law enforcement and emergency personnel.
• You may be directed to temporary assembly areas to await transfer to a safe location.

Do not return to your home until fire officials determine it is safe. Notification that it is safe to return home will be given as soon as possible considering safety and accessibility.

When You Return Home:

• Be alert for downed power lines and other hazards.
• Check propane tanks, regulators, and lines before turning gas on.
• Check your residence carefully for hidden embers or smoldering fires.

To support our fellow community members, consider donating to:

Puente, which supports south coast families: https://mypuente.org

Red Cross: RedCross Bay Area Chapter

Please also consider donating to local food banks. 

Animals are in need too:

Peninusla Human Society is accepting donations of pet food, cat litter, newspapers at their Coyote Point Shelter. 12 Airport Blvd, San Mateo. and financial donation here. 

The San Mateo County Large Animal Evacuation Group is also requesting help to feed displaced animals. see below for message from SMCLAEG:

Please call Pastorino's Hay and Feed at 650 726-6155 and/or Western Saddlery at 925 460-0373 and let them know you'd like to have them charge a $$ amount to your credit card...from there the Evac group can get hay and essentials to these displaced animals. Please let them know you are calling on behalf of the San Mateo County Large Animal Evacuation Group. SMCLAEG is not a 5013C so this is not tax deductible at this time but right now they just need to feed these animals. 

Please see message below fromm CAL FIRE Incident Commander about donations to CAL FIRE

Cow Palace has become a large animal evacuation center in response to the CZU Lightning Complex fire. 

Please call: 650-420-4121

You may also call the San Mateo County Large Animal Evacuation Group for Assistance: https://smclaeg.org

Laura: 650-450-0520

Robin: 650-450-0516

Emilie: 650-773-8780

The San Mateo County Large Animal Evacuation Group is also requesting help to feed displaced animals. see below for message from SMCLAEG:

Please call Pastorino's Hay and Feed at 650 726-6155 and/or Western Saddlery at 925 460-0373 and let them know you'd like to have them charge a $$ amount to your credit card...from there the Evac group can get hay and essentials to these displaced animals. Please let them know you are calling on behalf of the San Mateo County Large Animal Evacuation Group. SMCLAEG is not a 5013C so this is not tax deductible at this time but right now they just need to feed these animals.

Incident Website: https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/

Evacuation Map: www.smco.community.zonehaven.com

Email Updates (sign up here): https://tinyurl.com/CZUlightning

Link to map AND evacuation zone here: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/f0121f7f2f0941afb3ed70529b2cee75

Below, Incident Map as of August 21

Incident Website: https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/

Evacuation Map: www.smco.community.zonehaven.com

Email Updates (sign up here): https://tinyurl.com/CZUlightning