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8 | SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | JUNE 2026 | THE FIFTH SEASON By Janis Rice, EPAP PIO We all know about the four seasons, winter, spring, summer, and fall; but for California, there is a h season, and that is Fire Season. Fire Season is not a time of year that we look forward to, but it is a season we should be aware of and denitely prepare for. Fire Season typically happens between the months of April and October. During these months, the weather becomes warmer and drier and, in Southern California, we experience the hot, dry Santa Ana winds, which further increase the wildre risk. Every year, almost 90 percent of wildres are caused by humans, with the number one cause being unattended or improperly- extinguished campres. Downed powerlines and electrical malfunctions are considered the second most common cause of wildres. Cal Fire Battalion Chief, David Acuna, said, "Humans are incredibly predictable. ey drag chains and they leave campres to burn, or they have a at tire but think they can just make it to the next exit." Other ways res start are by pushing a burning car o the road, mowing the lawn on a hot, dry day, miswiring a hot tub, setting o smoke bombs at a gender reveal party, and especially shooting o illegal reworks. Many areas of Sun Lakes are considered "high re" areas (see inset map). Many of our homes have hardscape or cement, bricks, or rocks around the base of the home. Many of our homes, especially condos, are landscaped with shrubs and brushes. But to help prevent res, we need to create a defensible space. is can be done by removing dead vegetation, pruning trees, and clearing leaves from our roofs and gutters. Other ways to prevent res are by covering vents and removing ammable items, like wood piles, at least 30 feet from structures. During Santa Ana wind events, the Banning Pass area (I-10 corridor west of Palm Springs) is a major funneling point where winds oen reach 40 to 60 miles per hour, with gusts frequently exceeding 70 miles per hour. While these are common, especially in autumn and winter, peak gusts during stronger events can reach up to 100 miles per hour. ese winds, along with low humidity, create a higher re danger. If a wildre erupts during these wind events, embers or sparks can travel up to ve miles. ese burning pieces of debris start spot res ahead of the main re front. ey can land on roofs, gutters, patio umbrellas, or uncleared brush near a home and start a re. is is what causes major structure damage and loss. Sun Lakes EPAP recommends following protocols that re- proof your home and community as well as adding helpful apps to your phone such as Watch Duty and other Cal Fire sites. BEING PREPARED WILL SAVE YOUR LIFE.

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