CalFire Press release re: Dry Labor Day weekend brings fire concerns

CAL FIRE NEWS RELEASE
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection


Dry Labor Day Weekend Brings Fire Concerns
One Less Spark, One Less Wildfire

Sacramento – CAL FIRE officials are urging Californians to be extra careful with their outdoor plans this holiday weekend, as fire activity and fire danger remain high statewide. The Labor Day weekend is often known as the unofficial end of summer, and millions of people will take advantage of the holiday to visit California’s great outdoors. In anticipation of the increased outdoor activities, CAL FIRE officials are urging everyone to exercise extra caution and safety this Labor Day weekend.

“The past several weeks our firefighters have been extremely busy up and down the state with major wildfires including the over 200,000 acre Rim Fire burning near Yosemite National Park,” said Chief Ken Pimlott, director of CAL FIRE. “All summer long the potential for wildfires has been much higher than normal and this weekend is no different.”

The increase in fire activity and the heightened fire potential have CAL FIRE asking for the public’s help. “We need all residents and visitors to take steps to prevent wildfires,” said Pimlott. “It only takes one spark to ignite a major wildfire, and with over 9,000 firefighters already committed to the major fires burning in California, we must all do everything we can to prevent another.”

CAL FIRE offers these important steps to help prevent wildfires:

Camping:

·         Obtain a campfire permit

·         Check for local fire restrictions

·         Clear away grass, leaves and other debris within a 10-foot perimeter of any campfire

·         Have a responsible person in attendance at all times

·         Ensure all campfires are completely extinguished before leaving

·         When barbequing, never leave the grill unattended

·         Watch this short video on campfire safety: http://youtu.be/f8kFVSOjOGo

Vehicles:

·         Never pull over in dry grass

·         Make sure your vehicle is properly maintained

·         When towing ensure chains are not dragging on the ground

·         Check your tire pressure to avoid driving on an exposed wheel rim

·         Watch this short video on preventing vehicle sparked wildfires: http://youtu.be/TRUJt03KvTY

One Less Spark, means One Less Wildfire. For more ways to be safe during Labor Day weekend visit PreventWildfireCA.org or the CAL FIRE website at www.fire.ca.gov