Madre Fire Advancing

Currently, the Mother Fire, which extends to more than 80,000 acres in rural San Luis Obispo County, is the largest fire in California this year, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

Recall that this fire started on Wednesday, east of Santa Maria, near the town of New Cayuma, according to recent information a building burned and is still investigating the cause of the fire, which is currently being fueled by heat and wind.

More than 200 people in the area were under mandatory evacuation orders, and approximately 50 structures were threatened as of last Saturday. According to a recent report, more than 600 firefighters and nearly 50 fire engines are responding to the fire.

Authorities have acknowledged that the Madre Fire is three times the size of the Palisades Fire, which burned 23,000 acres in coastal Los Angeles County earlier this year, and the Eaton Fire in Altadena, which burned 14,000 acres.

It is important, to be informed if you are near the area, you should monitor the progress of the fire and follow the warnings or calls from the authority.

As a heat wave is expected in Southern California during these days and through Friday, and maximum temperatures between 98 and 108 degrees are expected in the low mountains, valleys and deserts.

Finally, here are some recommendations from CalFire to keep you safe. To protect yourself from wildfire smoke, it is important to stay indoors as much as possible with windows and doors closed. Use air filtration systems such as HEPA filters and consider wearing an N95 respirator when outdoors.

Also, if you have air conditioning, set it on recirculation mode to avoid bringing in outside air and smoke.

Also remember to avoid activities that increase indoor pollution including smoking, lighting candles, and using gas or wood stoves.

Use air filtration:

HEPA filters:

Use high-efficiency filters (such as HEPA or MERV 13 or higher) in your air conditioning system or as part of a portable air purifier, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

If you have to go outside remember to protect yourself with N95 respirators, so wear a well-fitting N95 or P100 respirator when you have to be outdoors in smoky conditions.

Another suggestion is to limit time outdoors when smoke is present.

Also at these times if the fire is near where you live avoid strenuous exercise, as strenuous physical activity can increase your respiratory rate and make you more susceptible to the harmful effects of smoke.

Other important tips are to keep windows and doors closed to prevent smoke from entering your home. Place damp rags under doors or around windows to further minimize smoke infiltration.

Please stay informed about the trajectory of the Mother Fire and follow the recommendations of the authorities in your area.