Catalina Island Conservancy today launched a daily fire danger program paired with a new fox mascot modeled after the Island’s endemic Catalina Island fox, a species found nowhere else on Earth. The campaign turns awareness into action to reduce wildfire risk and the frequency of human-caused fires, protecting the Island’s wildlands, wildlife and the community of Avalon.
The new fox mascot is rooted in Catalina’s conservation story. Once near extinction due to canine distemper, the Catalina Island fox rebounded through conservation and community support in one of the fastest recoveries in Endangered Species Act history. The slogan “Be Fire Free For Fox Sake” was inspired by the 2007 Island Fire, when multiple injured foxes were treated for burns to their paws, skin and ears.
“A wildfire-resilient Catalina is central to our work,” said Whitney Latorre, president and CEO of Catalina Island Conservancy. “The fox mascot makes fire awareness relatable for families and visitors, and the daily fire rating gives everyone clear next steps to lower wildfire risk on the Island.”
Fire danger level
program
Each morning, the Conservancy will post a fire danger level — Low, Moderate, High or Extreme — based on local weather, fuel moisture and the Island’s burning index, which estimates how intensely a wildfire could burn and how hard it would be to control. Fire danger levels will be available at catalinaconservancy.org/firefree, and the Conservancy will post signs in highly traveled areas of the 88% of the Island it protects.
“Understanding today’s risk leads to more informed decision making,” said Capt. Kevin Frye of the Los Angeles County Fire Department. “When people see advertised daily fire danger levels, they are more likely to change their habits to help prevent wildfires that could threaten Island neighborhoods and businesses.”
Be fire free for fox sake
Messaging will be shared across Catalina Island through education programs, signage, posters, and digital outreach via member and donor email newsletters and social media. The campaign calls on residents and visitors alike to take simple actions to prevent the next wildfire.
- No smoking or fireworks, including sparklers, in the Island’s wildlands.
- Skip flames on windy days and during Red Flag Warnings.
- Secure chains and gear to prevent sparks. Never park on dry grass.
- Use stoves and grills only where allowed.
- See smoke? Call 911, then notify a Conservancy ranger.
Part of a larger
resilience effort
Catalina faces mounting wildfire threats fueled by climate change, invasive species such as mule deer and long-term ecological degradation. The Catalina Island Restoration Project, led by the Conservancy, focuses on habitat regeneration, plant restoration and species management. By restoring native vegetation and removing invasive species, the Conservancy helps retain more moisture in the landscape, stabilize soil, reduce wildfire risks and protect the Island’s biodiversity, including more than 60 species found only on Catalina.
For today’s fire danger level, wildfire prevention tips and shareable flyers, please visit catalinaconservancy.org/firefree.
