Every year you hear the fire service say this is will be the worst fire season ever. You are told to have a plan and prepare your home and property for the worst. Well, guess what? This could be the worst fire season in a long time. And you should have a plan and prepare for the worst.

For a revealing look at fire statistics that are evolving as you read this column, visit the National Fire Information Center at www.nifc.gov/fireinfo/nfn.html. Here is what the center had to say about wildland fire earlier in the week: Year to date, there have been more than 30,000 fires totaling nearly 700,000 acres burning throughout the U.S.  There are currently fires burning in Florida (14), California (2), Georgia (7) and Minnesota (3). It is easy to conclude that fire season has indeed arrived with a vengeance.

I don’t mean to frighten you, but I do mean to alert you to the danger we all share as residents of wildland fire country. As you plan for summer landscaping and defensible space clearing, be conscious of the choices you make. Are you replacing or removing high oil or resin-producing plants such as eucalyptus and various varieties of broom and juniper with more fire-tolerant plants? Have you dusted off your home evacuation plan if you live in high fire risk communities such as Dry Creek, Angwin, Pope Valley, Circle Oaks and Montecito Heights? Have you formed a neighborhood Fire Safe Council to create a community fire plan? Are you ready if a wildland fire strikes next week?

If you are uncertain about any of the questions posed above, I suggest you visit the Napa Firewise Web site at www.co.napa.ca.us/firewise and check out the section called About Firewise. You will find a wealth of information on plants, defensible space planning, free chipping program, links to other fire organizations and qualified Firewise contractors, and the following check list:

When fire approaches — a check list

Being prepared with a plan is the first line of defense. Here are the steps to take in the event a wildland fire threatens your home or neighborhood:

• Evacuate, if possible, all family members not essential to protecting the house. Evacuate pets as well.

• Contact a friend or relative and relay your plans.

• Make sure family members are aware of a prearranged meeting place.

• Tune in a local radio station and listen for instructions.

• Place valuable papers and mementos in the car.

• Place vehicles in the garage, have them pointing out and roll up the windows.

• Close the garage door, but leave it unlocked. If applicable, disconnect the electric garage door opener so that the door can be opened manually.

• Place combustible patio furniture in the house or garage.

• Shut off propane at the tank or natural gas at the meter.

• Wear only cotton or wool clothes. Proper attire includes long pants, long-sleeve shirt or jacket and boots. Carry gloves, a handkerchief to cover face, water to drink and goggles.

• Close all exterior vents.

• Prop a ladder against the house so firefighters have easy access to the roof.

• Make sure that all garden hoses are connected to faucets and attach a nozzle set on “spray.”

• Soak rags, towels or small rugs with water to use in beating out embers or small fires.

• Inside, fill bathtubs, sinks and other containers with water. Outside, do the same with garbage cans and buckets. Remember that the water heater and toilet tank are available sources of water.

• Close all exterior doors and windows.

• Close all interior doors.

• Open the fireplace damper, but place the screen over the hearth to prevent sparks and embers from entering the house.

• Leave a light on in each room.

• Remove lightweight and/or non-fire-resistant curtains and other combustible materials from around windows. ­

• If available, close fire-resistant drapes, shutters or Venetian blinds. Attach pre-cut plywood panels to the exterior of windows and glass doors.

• Turn off all pilot lights.

• Move overstuffed furniture (e.g., couches, easy chairs, etc.) to the center of the room.

• Keep wood shake or shingle roofs moist by spraying water. Do not waste water. Consider placing a lawn sprinkler on the roof if water pressure is adequate. Do not turn on until burning embers begin to fall on the roof.

• Continually check the roof and attic for embers, smoke or fire.

• And don’t forget to call 911 if danger threatens.

As you prepare your family for the eventuality of a major wildland fire this summer, don’t hesitate to call Napa Firewise at 967-1426 if you have any questions. There are trained fire professionals available to answer your questions.

Today and Sunday, Napa Firewise will have a booth at the Napa-Solano Home & Garden Show (www.napahomeshow.com) at the Napa County Fair Grounds. Come visit us in Cabernet Hall and take home a selection of helpful fire prevention materials. Learn how you can protect your home with a defensible space garden. And don’t forget to see if you qualify for our free countywide chipping program or free defensible space evaluation.

Napa Firewise is a joint effort between government, the business community and private individuals. By acknowledging that government alone cannot keep us safe, and by sharing responsibility with others, we can be ready when wildland fire strikes.

Mike Wilson is a 20-year veteran of the fire service. As assistant Napa County fire marshal he is responsible for fire inspection and code enforcement throughout the county. Contact him at mike.wilson@fire.ca.gov.