Cal Fire To Increase Staffing Levels Ahead Of 'Dry Lightning', Windy Forecast
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — State fire officials are expected to beef up staffing in Southern California and up north for the upcoming week amid forecasts for dry lightning and strong winds, authorities said Friday.
Los Angeles City and County Fire departments have not increased staffing levels, but were monitoring the situation, according to agency spokespeople.
Cal Fire has increased staffing for its emergency command centers and reserve fire engines, as well as placing additional fire crews and bulldozers to be available 24/7, according to spokesman Mike Mohler.
Thunderstorms in some local mountain regions as early as Friday can be preceded by "dry lightning" — which occurs without precipitation — and greatly increase chances of new wildfires.
Officials with the National Weather Service said dry lightning strikes are possible Sunday in Southland mountain areas with monsoon moisture moving into the region by Monday.
"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.
Steps residents can take to protect life and property include limiting any mowing or weed-reduction activities using power equipment before 10 a.m. and never during extremely dry or windy conditions.
Officials also warned residents against using lawn mowers in dry vegetation.
For more fire prevention tips, visit the Ready For Wildfire website or the official California state site.