In preparation of dangerous fire weather conditions continuing across the state, 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 eight counties across the state.
The prepositioned fire resources include:
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Los Angeles County: One Type-1 fire engine strike team, one water tender, one dispatcher
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Glendale Operational Area: One water tender
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Ventura County: One Type-1 fire engine strike team, one helicopter, one Type-1 hand crew, one dispatcher
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Santa Barbara County: One Type-1 strike team, two dispatchers, one overhead
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Marin County: One Type-3 Strike Team, One local government task force, one water tender, two dispatchers, 10 overhead
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Contra Costa County: Three Type-3 engines, one dozer, one water tender, one Type-2 IA crew, two dispatchers, 4 overhead
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Colusa County: Four Type-3 engines, one water tender, one overhead
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Amador County: Five Type-3 engines, one water tender, one overhead
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Inyo County: Two Type-2 engines, one overhead
A strike team includes five fire engines with 15 firefighters and a strike team Leader.
The National Weather Service is forecasting low relative humidity, very hot temperatures and gusty sundowner winds, creating Red Flag weather conditions over parts of California over the next 24 hours. A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire potential and erratic fire behavior. Click here to see the National Weather Service’s Red Flag warnings.
The public is urged is 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 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 throughout the Red Flag period.
For more from Cal OES, visit CalOES.ca.gov and follow us on Twitter @Cal_OES.