Santa Ana winds and dry conditions have prompted the deployment of firefighting crews from Northern California to assist in Southern California counties. Fears of large wildfires are heightened as the region faces drought conditions.
Firefighting crews from Northern California are in the area this week as Santa Ana winds create risky conditions. KPBS reporter Katie Anastas says Cal Fire is warning of high winds through Thursday. 'Our brush is dry, the (humidity) is down, and now we have this wind event,” said Brent Pascua, a battalion chief with Cal Fire. “That's a prime recipe for a large wildfire.”puts all of San Diego County at a moderate drought level, while parts of Imperial County are in severe and extreme drought.
“It's not a fire season anymore. It’s a fire year for us down here in Southern California,” Pascua said. “We just had the fires in Malibu and in Ventura during November, December, and here we are in January. So you just can't let your guard down. But San Diego County Water Authority officials say the county has a steady supply from the Colorado River and other parts of the state.“Feel free to irrigate your landscapes, to water your trees and to use water as you need,” said San Diego County Water Authority water resources specialist Efren Lopez. “We don't have any restrictions on water use, and we have a very reliable water supply.” There are 45 engines and six hand crews from Northern California in San Diego, Orange and other nearby counties this week. “Ten of those engines are in San Diego County,” Pascua said. “San Diego County also has its own staffing pattern on, so we've staffed up extra bulldozers, extra water tenders, extra crews, extra engines. It's all hands on deck.”Katie Anastas is a general assignment reporter for KPBS News, covering a wide range of different issues that affect the diverse neighborhoods of San Diego County. Katie has worked as a reporter at KTOO in Juneau, Alaska where she's covered city and tribal government, housing, tourism and statewide education issues.The North County Focus newsletter is your bi-weekly guide to all the news coming from North County, plus a handpicked selection of events and trivia tidbits
CALIFORNIA WILDFIRE SANTA ANA WINDS DROUGHT FIRE FIGHTING
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Northern California Crews Assist Southern California in Drought ConditionsHigh winds, low humidity, and a returning drought status in Southern California have prompted CAL FIRE to deploy resources from Northern California to bolster fire protection. 45 engines, over 100 personnel, water tenders, bulldozers, and aircraft are being sent to high-risk areas. CAL FIRE officials emphasize the seriousness of Santa Ana wind events, which often trigger major wildfires during the winter months.
Read more »
Red flag warning across Southern California as Santa Ana winds bring dangerous fire conditionsMarlene Lenthang is a breaking news reporter for NBC News Digital.
Read more »
Red flag warning across Southern California as Santa Ana winds bring dangerous fire conditionsMarlene Lenthang is a breaking news reporter for NBC News Digital.
Read more »
Santa Ana winds return means increased fire risk, possible power shut-offs for Southern CaliforniaLOS ANGELES (AP) — Southern California's notorious Santa Ana winds were predicted to return Monday night and utilities said they are prepared to cut power
Read more »
Thousands without power as Santa Ana winds bring increased fire risk for Southern CaliforniaPower to tens of thousands of people had been shut off by Monday night as utilities worked to mitigate the impacts of Southern California’s notorious Santa Ana winds, whose strong gusts could damage electrical equipment and spark wildfires.
Read more »
Strong Santa Ana winds threaten Southern California with 'highest possible' fire dangerSanta Ana winds will bring the 'highest possible' fire danger to the majority of Los Angeles and Ventura counties through Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service.
Read more »