Cal OES Prepositions Critical Fire, Rescue Public Safety Resources in 8 Counties as Storms Threaten Burn-Scarred Areas (UPDATED)

Published:

Updated: Jan. 29, 2021

 

As relentless winter storms continue to cause statewide impacts and threaten areas of recently burn-scarred hillsides, the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) is coordinating with local public safety agencies on strategic prepositioning of specialized fire, rescue and public safety resources and personnel in eight counties throughout the state.

This is part of an ongoing effort by California’s emergency management and public safety agencies to ensure that critical, life-saving resources are ready and immediately available for deployment in the event of a major mudslide, debris flow, flooding or other emergency caused by significant winter weather.

The following resources have been requested by the local Operational Areas and approved via the California State Mutual Aid Pre-Incident Preparedness Guidelines:

Santa Barbara County: (1) Local Government Task Force (3-Type 3 engines), (1) Front-End Loader

Ventura County: (1) Local Government Front-End Loader, (1) Type 1 Hand Crew, (1) Public Safety Dispatcher

Los Angeles County: (1) Local Government Strike Team (5-Type 6 engines), (2) Local Government Graders, (1) Helicopter, (1) Type 1 Hand Crew, (2) Public Safety Dispatchers, (1) Local Government Swiftwater Rescue Team, (2) OES Type 1 engines

Orange County: (1) Local Government Strike Team (5-Type 1 engines), (2) Local Government Dozers (2-Type 2), (1) Helicopter, (1) Local Government Type 1 Hand Crew, (2) Public Safety Dispatchers, (9) Overhead, (1) Local Government Swiftwater Rescue Team.

Santa Cruz County: (1) Local Government Task Force (4-Type 3 engines), (1) Regional Task Force (Marin), (5) Overhead

Monterey County: (1) Local Government Task Force (4-type 3 engines, 2-type 6 engines), (1) OES Type 3 Strike Team (5 OES type 3 engines), (1) Regional Task Force (Bakersfield), (5) Overhead

Fresno County: (1) Regional Task Force (Fresno)

San Bernardino County: (1) OES Strike Team (5-Type 1 engines), (1) Regional Task Force (San Bernardino), (1) Local Government Front-End Loader, (1) Local Government Hand Crew, (4) Overhead

Cal OES also assigned an Assistant Chief to the Fire and Rescue Emergency Operations Center, as well as two Assistant Chiefs to Santa Cruz and Monterey counties.

The public is urged to remain aware of their surrounding conditions and to avoid outdoor activities that may be dangerous during the rain event. Also, remember to have an emergency plan in place, emergency preparedness kits at home and vehicles full of fuel, sign-up for emergency alerts, listen to authorities and warnings and be prepared to evacuate if necessary. Check out the National Weather Service Safety Tips.

The California State Warning Center, Cal OES Regions and Cal OES Fire and Rescue Branch will continue evaluating conditions to be ready for further resource requests as necessary throughout the rain event.

Follow the National Weather Service Sacramento, Bay Area and Los Angeles as well as Cal OES for the latest updates.