With the Return of Critical Fire Weather, Cal OES Prepositions Firefighting Resources Statewide

Published:

As critical fire weather, including dry and windy conditions, is expected over the next few days, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) is working proactively to place firefighting resources in high-risk areas. The National Weather Service in Sacramento has issued a Red Flag Warning just North of Redding down through the Sacramento Valley due to gusty winds and low humidity beginning 11 p.m. on October 17, lasting through 5 p.m. on October 19. The combination of gusty winds and low humidity can cause new fires to start and rapidly grow in size and intensity. Cal OES has strategically prepositioned fire engines and personnel in multiple counties to be able to respond if needed. 

The prepositioned fire resources include: 

Alameda County:

  • 5 OES Engines
  • 1 Local Government Hand crew
  • 1 Local Government Water Tender
  • 1 Local Government Dozer
  • 2 Local Government Dispatchers
  • 6 Local Government IMT members

Contra Costa County:

  • 10 Local Government Engines
  • 2 Local Government Hand crews
  • 2 Local Government Dispatchers
  • 1 Local Government Dozer
  • 10 Local Government IMT members

Lake County:

  • 5 Local Government Engines
  • 1 Local Government Water tender
  • 1 Local Government Dozer
  • 1 Local Government IMT member

Napa County:

  • 5 Local Government Engines
  • 1 Local Government Water tender
  • 2 Local Government IMT members

Santa Clara:

  • 5 Local Government Engines
  • 1 Local Government Hand crew
  • 4 Local Government Dispatchers
  • 5 Local Government IMT members

Santa Cruz County:

  • 4 Local Government Engines
  • 1 Local Government Water tender

San Mateo:

  • 7 Local Government Engines
  • 3 OES Engines
  • 2 Local Government Water Tenders
  • 2 Local Government Dispatchers
  • 6 Local Government IMT members

Colusa County:

  • 3 Local Government Engines
  • 2 Local Government Water tenders

Glenn County:

  • 6 Local Government Engines
  • 2 Local Government Water Tenders
  • 2 Local Government IMT members

Tehama County:

  • 4 Local Government Engines
  • 2 Local Government Water Tenders

Yuba County:

  • 5 Local Government Engines

Tuolumne County:

  • 5 Local Government Engines
  • 1 Local Government IMT member

With critical fire weather across the state, it’s an important reminder to be prepared for wildfire any time of the year.

  • Sign up for emergency alerts through your county.
  • Pack a go bag.
  • Talk with your family about an emergency plan.
  • Know multiple routes out of your neighborhood.

CALIFORNIA FIRE AND RESCUE MUTUAL AID SYSTEM

The Cal OES Fire and Rescue Branch facilitates the California Fire and Rescue Mutual Aid System, which includes moving more than 270 fire engines from 60 local government resources across the state in support of all-risk emergency response on behalf of local, state and federal government fire organizations. Cal OES assigns local government fire agencies with fire apparatus to maintain surge capacity during day-to-day duties and major emergencies. 

For more from Cal OES, visit CalOES.ca.gov and follow us on Twitter @Cal_OES.