Sacramento– Although Christmas is just around the corner, CAL FIRE firefighters are preparing for
several days of extreme fire weather in Northern and Central California. The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory for the next few days spanning from Northeastern California, the Sacramento Valley, Lake County, Inyo County, Mono County, and the eastern slopes of the Coast range. With the heightened fire danger and increased potential for new fires, CAL FIRE is placing additional firefighters on duty to staff extra equipment in the areas affected.
"The forecasted high winds coupled with the extremely dry weather and vegetation highlight the fact that conditions exist for large fire potential year round in California," said Chief Ken Pimlott, Director of CAL FIRE. "We've staffed additional equipment and are holding personnel on duty to address this increased threat. Don’t let the calendar fool you; with the dryweather, the public needs to understand that the fire threat still exists in many areas of the state and that everyone must take extra precautions to prevent sparking a wildfire.”
CAL FIRE along with other fire agencies has increased its preparedness by staffing additional wildland fire engines, dozers, fire crews, and aircraft. These increased state resources will be positioned throughout the Northern and Central part of the state to allow for rapid response into communities and watershed areas that may be affected by a fast moving wind-driven wild
fire. CAL FIRE Southern Units remain fully staffed and are prepared to move into the north state if necessary.
CAL FIRE is asking everyone to be extra cautious during the heightened fire danger period in order to prevent wildfires. One Less Spark means One Less Wildfire.
CAL FIRE offers these fire prevention tips:
Don’t mow or trim dry grass on windy days
Never pull your vehicle over in dry grass
Never burn landscape debris like leaves or branches on NO Burn Days or when it’s windy or in
areas where not allowed
Target shoot only in approved areas, use lead ammunition only, and never at metal targets
Ensure campfires are allowed, and if so, be sure to extinguish them completely
Make sure all gasoline-powered equipment have spark arresters
Report any suspicious activities to prevent arson
For more fire prevention tips visit www.PreventWildfireCA.org and for evacuation tips visit
www.ReadyForWildfire.org.