Returning home after a wildfire: what do you do? [Video]

MARIPOSA COUNTY, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – As fire crews continue to battle the French Fire and residents who were evacuated return home, the American Red Cross says they need to pay attention to the ground.

According to the Red Cross, there might be heat pockets and hot embers that can burn or spark another fire. Residents are asked to mark them for safety and warn family and neighbors to keep clear of the pits.

Officials say locals should also:

Residents can begin to clean up debris or ash; the Red Cross says residents should do so safely by wearing gloves, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, shoes and socks. Goggles are also recommended for eye protection and an N95 respirator to limit the amount of ash breathed in.

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Officials say you should immediately wash off any ash that gets on the skin or in the eyes and mouth.

Because …