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Sacramento, CA — Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that California has predeployed resources throughout the state and is closely monitoring weather conditions that bring the potential for localized heavy rain, dry lightning, and gusty winds that could spark new wildfires.
CAL FIRE is increasing staffing levels statewide. This proactive move comes as the state continues to recover from August’s lightning siege, which resulted in more than 110,000 lightning strikes, 530+ fires, and over 28,900 acres burned.
According to the National Weather Service, warm and dry conditions combined with incoming tropical moisture are expected to bring thunderstorm activity and gusty winds across much of the state through next week. While some storms may bring beneficial rainfall, the potential for dry lightning remains high.
In anticipation of the incoming weather, CAL FIRE has staffed the following resources in addition to normal staffing:
Southern Region:
- Additional staffing in local and regional Emergency Command Centers (ECCs)
- Staff additional Region Intel as needed
- Staff all (CAL FIRE Firefighter, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), California Conservation Corp (CCC), California Military Department (CMD)) hand crews 24 hrs/day
- Staff all CAL FIRE reserve engines (1 per operational unit)
Northern Region:
- Staff 1 additional reserve engine per unit (1 per operational unit)
- Staff 2 additional Firefighter Hand Crews per unit
- Staff all (CAL FIRE Firefighter, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), California Conservation Corp (CCC), California Military Department (CMD)) hand crews 24 hrs/day
- Staff 1 Strike Team Leader per camp/fire center
Contract Counties
- Ventura County to staff 5 additional Type 3 Wildland Engines and 1 additional hand crew.
- Santa Barbara County to staff 5 additional Type 3 Wildland Engines and 1 additional hand crew.
- Kern County to staff 5 additional Type 3 Wildland Engines.
- LA County to staff 2 additional hand crews.
- Marin County to staff 1 hand crew 24 hrs/day
These measures are designed to ensure an aggressive response to any new fire starts and to protect communities during this period of heightened fire danger.
“Lightning can strike with little or no warning, sparking dangerous wildfires,” said CAL FIRE Chief/Director Joe Tyler. “We urge all Californians to stay alert, follow evacuation orders if issued, and take lightning safety seriously.”
CAL FIRE reminds the public to remain vigilant during thunderstorms. If you hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning, so if possible, stay indoors. If you are outdoors when a storm approaches, seek shelter immediately in a substantial building or a hard-topped vehicle, avoid open areas and tall objects, and never shelter under trees. Report any signs of smoke or fire immediately by calling 911.
Now is the time to prepare—make sure your go bag is packed with essentials like medications, important documents, clothing, and supplies for every member of your household. Having it ready means you can move fast if evacuation orders are issued. Just as important, sign up for emergency alerts in your county so you receive real-time information directly from local officials.
For more lightning safety tips watch this video - Box | Simple Online Collaboration
For more ways to prepare for wildfires visit www.ReadyForWildfire.org or www.fire.ca.gov.
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