Dangerous Fire Conditions Prompt Cal Fire Officials to Extend Staffing

—Submitted by Cal Fire

With dangerous fire conditions continuing for the Cal Fire San Mateo-Santa Cruz Unit, resources and staffing have been extended longer than usual, according to a report from Cal Fire officials. 

Traditionally, danger from wildland fires is significantly reduced by the end of October when fall rains begin and the wildland firefighting season comes to a close.  

This year, however, after the record-low rainfall that led into fire season and with no significant rain in the forecast, Cal Fire continues to staff aircraft, heavy equipment, fire engines and seasonal firefighters to carry on the firefighting force in the region.

“The 2013 fire season started earlier than normal and is continuing much later than normal, making for one of the longest fire seasons we’ve experienced in the San Mateo-Santa Cruz Unit in decades,” said Unit Chief Scott Jalbert. “We have also seen fires burning in areas where we have rarely seen wildfires in the past.”

So far this year, Cal Fire resources from the San Mateo-Santa Cruz Unit responded to 344 wildland fires in the State Responsibility Area compared to 296 last year and 266 in 2011. This year, 152 acres has burned compared to 33 acres last year and 10 acres in 2011.  

Local Cal Fire resources also assisted other fire agencies with wildland firefighting on 74 fires this year compared to 24 last year and four in 2011.

Live fuel moisture sampling sites in the local area that have been measured since the mid-1970s have reached record low levels and the potential continues for wildland fires in the San Mateo-Santa Cruz Unit. The burn ban that was put in place on April 29 continues to be in effect.  

No open burning, other than approved campfires, is allowed without special permits. Residents are encouraged to maintain defensible space around residences for 100 feet by removing dead vegetation that accumulates this time of year. 

For more information on creating defensible space and hardening your home, visit www.ReadyForWildfire.org.