CALIFORNIA — After one of the deadliest and most destructive weeks in California’s history, firefighters are prepared for another significant wind event in Southern California.
Some 4,300 firefighters remain on the front lines of 9 active wildfires, many of which are projected to be fully contained by the end of the week. Firefighters continue to extinguish hot spots and perform fire suppression repair work.
However, even though November is right around the corner, temperatures across the state are hot and dry and firefighters are bracing for potential high fire activity in Southern California due to gusty winds and low humidity. Red Flag Warnings remain in effect from Kern County down to San Diego County with wind gusts anticipated up to 55 mph.
In response to these anticipated conditions, Cal Fire has increased its staffing levels with additional firefighters, fire engines, fire crews, and aircraft to respond to any new wildfires.
“This is traditionally the time of year when we see these strong Santa Ana winds,” said Chief Ken Pimlott, director of Cal Fire, “and with an increased risk for wildfires, our firefighters are ready. Not only do we have state, federal and local fire resources, but we have additional military aircraft on the ready. Firefighters from other states, as well as Australia, are here and ready to help in case a new wildfire ignites.”
It is vital that the public use caution when using household powered equipment like weed trimmers and lawn mowers which can spark a fire.
“Outdoor activities that may spark a fire should be avoided,” said Chief Thom Porter, Cal Fire’s Southern Region Chief. “It is important that the public be vigilant and follow the “Ready, Set, Go” action items, especially under these types of conditions where fires move very fast.”
Since the start of the October Fire Siege on Sunday, Oct. 8, Cal Fire responded to 250 new wildfires. At the peak of the wildfires there were 21 major wildfires that burned a total of over 245,000 acres. More than 11,000 firefighters battled the destructive fires that at one time forced 100,000 to evacuate, destroyed an estimated 8,400 structures, and sadly, took the lives of 42 people.
Learn more tips on how to prevent a wildfire at www.ReadyForWildfire.org.
**Cal Fire Incidents**
CENTRAL LNU COMPLEX (3 fires)
In unified command with Santa Rosa Fire Department & Sonoma County Sheriff
Cal Fire Incident Management Team assigned
Tubbs Fire
Sonoma and Napa Counties, between Calistoga and Santa Rosa
36,807 acres, 94% contained
An estimated 5,300 structures destroyed
22 civilian fatalities
Pocket Fire
Sonoma County, north of Geyserville
17,357 acres, 90% contained
Nuns Fire
Sonoma & Napa Counties, east of Highway 12 from east Santa Rosa to east of Sonoma
56,556 acres, 91% contained
An estimated 1,200 structures destroyed
1 civilian fatality & 1 private water tender operator in Napa County
SOUTHERN LNU COMPLEX (1 fire)
Cal Fire Incident Management Team assigned
Atlas Fire
Napa & Solano Counties, South of Lake Berryessa and northeast of Napa
51,624 acres, 95% contained
An estimated 785 structures destroyed
6 civilian fatalities
Redwood Valley
Mendocino County, north of Highway 20 in Potter Valley and Redwood Valley
36,523 acres, 98% contained
An estimated 540 structures destroyed
8 civilian fatalities
Sulphur Fire
Lake County, Clearlake Oaks
2,207 acres, 98% contained
Bear Fire
Santa Cruz County, Bear Creek Canyon Road, northeast of Boulder Creek
391 acres, 85% contained
Church Fire
San Diego County, off Hwy 94 near Campo
100 acres, 100% contained
**Federal Incidents**
Wilson Fire
Los Angeles County, Mount Wilson, Mount Wilson Observatory
50 acres, 70% contained
Buffalo Fire
San Diego County, Camp Pendleton
1,088 acres, 80% contained
