The Ventura County Fire Department reminds residents that now is the time to prepare for wildfires before the hot, dry, windy weather starts.

Residents who live near natural vegetation are asked to clear brush back 100 feet from structures. That creates defensible space for firefighters and gives them room to operate between a home and an advancing wildfire.

One of the biggest risks homeowners face during a wildfire is the embers, which can be blown more than a mile in front of a wildfire and ignite other fires.

The fire department considers any structure within one mile of natural vegetation to be in the ember zone and urges residents in those areas to take precautions against ember fires.

The Ready, Set, Go! program is designed to give homeowners the necessary tools to prepare themselves and their families and property against wildfires and embers.

Residents should get ready by assembling emergency supplies, preparing a wildfire action plan, and determining evacuation routes. They can monitor weather conditions to know when a fire might occur or when they may be in danger from a wildfire that is already burning.

When a wildfire is threatening homes, residents should evacuate early, before the fire puts them in danger.

The Ventura County Fire Department has Ready, Set, Go! preparedness publications for homeowners, the agricultural community and trail users available at all of its fire stations.

Publications can also be viewed or downloaded at www.vcreadysetgo.org.