Dry lightning and strong winds forecast for various areas in the upcoming week have prompted the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection to increase staffing in the Southland and in the northern part of the state, authorities said.
The Los Angeles city and county fire departments are monitoring the situation, but have not increased their staffing levels, according to officials.
Cal Fire spokesperson Mike Mohler said his agency has added staffing in its emergency command centers, staffed its reserve fire engines, and placed
additional fire crews and bulldozers so they are available around the clock.
Mohler said thunderstorms in mountain regions can be preceded by “dry lightning” — that is, without precipitation — greatly increasing the chances of new wildfires.
“Due to the conditions we are experiencing this year, it is critical that we are prepared for any possible outcome from this red flag event,” Cal
Fire director Ken Pimlott said.
“We are prepared, and we ask that the residents and visitors of California do their part to prevent any new wildfires,” Pimlott said.
National Weather Service officials said dry lightning strikes are possible Sunday in Southland mountain areas with monsoon moisture moving into
the region by Monday.
Cal Fire urged people to follow these safety tips:
— any mowing or weed-reduction activities using power equipment should
be done before 10 a.m., and never during extremely dry or windy conditions;
— never use lawn mowers in dry vegetation; and
— ensure that campfires are permitted; and, if they are, be sure to
extinguish them completely when done with them.
More information is available at www.ReadyForWildfire.org , or at
www.fire.ca.gov.
–City News Service