CAL FIRE warns of increased threat of wildfire this summer
CAL FIRE warns of increased threat of wildfire this summer
09 June 2010
published by www.mtshastanews.com
USA — CAL FIRE is reminding everyone that we are moving into a period of increased risk of wildfires.
Following an unusually wet and extended spring, temperatures will be increasing and humidities will be decreasing, causing lighter fuels such as grass to dry and thereby increasing the risk of wildfires, CAL FIRE states in a news release.
CAL FIRE expects wildfires this summer that will be difficult and hazardous to firefighters due to unusually thick and tall grass and the large number of trees that were broken or crushed to the ground during the big January snow storm.
CAL FIRE says it is prepared all year long for emergencies, but is preparing for the increased threat and workload driven by wildfires this summer. Additional firefighters are being hired and prepared to staff more fire engines to meet the increasing fire threat. All 10 CAL FIRE stations in Siskiyou County were scheduled to be open 24/7 as of Monday, June 7.
The CAL FIRE chief officers, fire fighting hand crews and bulldozers are on all year long and are prepared, according to the release.
Unit Fire Chief Bernie Paul reminds homeowners that this is the critical time of year when providing 100 feet defensible space around homes is crucial for protection from wildfires.
CAL FIRE also reminds those who wish to conduct residential dooryard burning that the burn hours are from 6 to 11 a.m., and the piles must be dead out by 11 a.m. Burn permits can be obtained at any CAL FIRE or Klamath Forest Service station.
Although dooryard burning is allowed with a burning permit now, there will be a burn ban beginning around July 1.
