We've got some serious news—there's a big fire to the north of us, and some of our neighbors are already getting level three evacuation notices. But don't worry, we've got a plan and we're going to handle this like pros. Our Gear and Setup: Weather Monitoring: Kestrel 5500 Weather Meter: The same tool the US Forest Service uses for real-time, accurate weather data. Kestrel Tripod and Vane Mount: To set up our remote weather station that broadcasts directly to my phone. Belt Weather Kit: This helps us predict the fire's spread and keep track of key benchmarks. Communication and Command: Evan's Radio Made Easy: Pre-programmed emergency channels for real-time updates, synced with fire crews. Old Smartphone: Repurposed as a dedicated receiver for weather data. Field Preparation: Mini Excavator and Skid Steer: Our go-to machines for various tasks around the homestead. Flood Irrigation System: Keeps our fields green and acts as a natural firebreak. Step-by-Step: 0:00 - Introduction Sharing the fire situation and evacuation notices. Explaining our Incident Command System (ICS) approach. 0:25 - Weather Station Setup Setting up the Kestrel 5500 and its accessories. Highlighting the importance of monitoring wind direction, speed, temperature, and RH (Relative Humidity). 2:01 - Preparing Equipment Using an old smartphone as a receiver. Setting up the weather station for real-time data broadcasting. 4:00 - Monitoring and Analysis Explaining weather metrics: RH, wind speed, and probability of ignition (PIG). Discussing how RH levels affect fire danger. 5:09 - Field Preparation Using the flood irrigation system to wet the fields. Creating a natural firebreak with well-irrigated fields. 6:02 - Equipment Readiness Fueling and preparing the mini excavator and skid steer. Ensuring all vehicles and equipment are ready for immediate use. 7:45 - Smoke Column Update Observing the smoke column's impact on visibility, including Mount Fuji being obscured by smoke. What We Learned: Real-time weather monitoring is crucial for predicting fire behavior. Flood irrigation is an effective preventive measure against wildfire spread. Being prepared with the right equipment and a structured plan is essential. This situation has been a wake-up call, but thanks to reliable tools like the Kestrel 5500 and the support from Evan's Radio Made Easy, we're confident in our preparedness. A big shoutout to these brands for their excellent products. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more updates and insights on managing emergencies and homestead preparedness. If you're a brand interested in partnering with us, please reach out through our contact information provided in the channel details. Stay safe, Wranglerstar