In advance of extreme fire weather, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) has strategically prepositioned critical fire resources to include strike teams of fire engines, firefighters, hand crews, water tenders, helicopters, dispatchers and overhead staff in Sierra and Nevada counties.
The prepositioned fire resources include:
Sierra County: 1 Local Government Type 3 Engine, 1 Local Government Type 6 Engine, 2 Local Government Type 2 Dozers, 1 IMT Member
Nevada County: 1 Dispatcher
A strike team includes five fire engines with 15 firefighters and a strike team leader.
The National Weather Service is forecasting widespread extreme fire weather over parts of Northern California. According to National Weather Service Sacramento, isolated thunderstorms could develop near the Sierra crest this afternoon into the early evening hours. Lightning strikes could have the potential to cause new fire starts.
Click here to see the latest weather updates.
The public is urged to remain aware of their surrounding conditions and to avoid outdoor activities that can cause a spark near dry vegetation, such as yard work, target shooting, or campfires and follow local fire restrictions. The public is also reminded to have an emergency plan in place, emergency preparedness kits at home and vehicles full of fuel. Sign-up for emergency alerts, listen to local authorities and warnings, and be prepared to evacuate if necessary.
The Cal OES Warning Center and State Operations Center will monitor conditions and be ready for further resource requests as necessary.
For more from Cal OES, visit CalOES.ca.gov and follow us on Twitter @Cal_OES.