The devastating fires across Los Angeles in January 2025 are a stark reminder that fire season is every season. Catalina Island knows this reality well. Nearly two decades ago, the Island Fire scorched thousands of acres and came dangerously close to the town of Avalon, an event that continues to shape the Conservancy’s work toward a more wildfire-resistant, climate-resilient Island.

To help prevent future devastation, Catalina Island Conservancy has launched a daily fire danger awareness program, paired with a new fox mascot inspired by the Island’s endemic Catalina Island fox.

The campaign aims to turn awareness into action by reducing wildfire risk and the frequency of human-caused fires, protecting Catalina’s wildlands, wildlife and the community of Avalon.

A Conservation Symbol Turned Wildfire Messenger

The Conservancy drew inspiration from one of Catalina’s greatest recovery stories, the Catalina Island fox. Once on the brink of extinction due to canine distemper, the fox made one of the fastest comebacks in Endangered Species Act history thanks to conservation efforts and community support.

That story of resilience connects directly to wildfire. During the 2007 Island Fire, several foxes were treated for burns to their paws, skin and ears. The campaign slogan, “Be Fire Free For Fox Sake,” underscores how closely the fate of the Island’s wildlife and people are tied to fire prevention.

“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.”

Daily Fire Danger Levels

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 wildfire intensity and difficulty to control. Danger levels will be posted on the Conservancy’s website and directly at catalinaconservancy.org/firefree. Signs will be displayed in highly traveled areas of the 88% of the Island that the Conservancy 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.”

By pairing ratings with action, the Conservancy hopes to make wildfire prevention part of everyday choices for residents and visitors.

Be Fire Free For Fox Sake

The campaign will spread the message across Catalina through education programs, signage, posters and digital outreach in newsletters and social media. Residents and visitors are encouraged to take simple steps to prevent the next wildfire:

• No smoking or fireworks, including sparklers, in the Island’s wildlands.
• Avoid 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 in permitted areas.
• If you see smoke, call 911 and then notify a Conservancy ranger.

Part of a Larger Resilience Effort

The new program complements broader conservation efforts led by the Conservancy through the Catalina Island Restoration Project. The initiative focuses on habitat regeneration, native plant restoration and species management to mitigate wildfire risks and protect biodiversity. By restoring native vegetation and removing invasive species such as mule deer, the Conservancy is improving soil stability, retaining more moisture in the landscape and reducing the threat of catastrophic wildfires.

For today’s fire danger level, wildfire prevention tips and shareable flyers, please visit catalinaconservancy.org/firefree.