Fire Chief's Report – drought makes for hazardous fire conditions

FALLBROOK – In his monthly message, North County Fire Protection District Chief Stephen Abbott is warning the community that February through April shows a large fire potential.

“The persistent drought conditions are going to maintain hazardous fire conditions and above normal large fire potential throughout our late winter-early spring months throughout Southern California,” said Abbott.

According to Abbott and as noted by Predictive Services, offshore wind events are expected to continue to occur in a slightly above normal rate of two to three per month.

“This winter has seen some of the strongest offshore wind events in recent years and there remains the possibility of one or two very strong wind events occurring during the next three months,” Abbott said. “Temperatures will remain above normal throughout the outlook period.”

Wind events and higher than normal temperatures will produce a lighter than normal seasonal weed and grass crop while keeping native fuels from regaining necessary moisture, leading to an increasing ratio of dead fuels.

“Because we will have little if any break in our fire season, now is the time to commence removal of hazardous vegetation around homes,” said Abbott. “Please do not procrastinate; clearing by mechanical means in late spring/early summer can very likely lead to accidental fire ignition.”

Below are some tips provided by Cal Fire and the North County Fire Protection District on keeping and staying fire safe this fire season.

Before fire season, create a defensible space of a minimum of 100 feet, adhere to all fire department and building codes and comply with notices to abate, make evacuation plans with family members, including livestock and other large animals and make sure the house numbers show clearly from the street both day and night.

During a fire emergency, monitor the http://www.ncfireprotectiondistrict.org website for updates and emergency information, including evacuation maps during large wildland fires. Always have a battery-operated radio on hand to stay updated on the latest information on the fire in the event of a power outage.

Remove any combustible materials away from the perimeter of the house.

Close all doors and windows, but do not lock them.

Move objects away from windows and sliding glass doors, including Venetian blinds, furniture and other flammable items.

Be ready to evacuate everyone in the home, including pets when orders are implemented. Refusal to comply with mandatory evacuation orders is a misdemeanor under California Penal Code 409.5.

Make sure to have critical medications, essential valuables, cellphone, clothing, important personal papers and photos, pet and livestock transportation with food and an evacuation route map ready.

Make sure, if the house is evacuated, to cover up by wearing long pants, long sleeve shirt, shoes that cover feet, a bandana to wear around the face and goggles or glasses. Cotton clothing is best.

Back a car into the garage or driveway and leave keys in the ignition.

After the fire emergency, check with fire and law enforcement officials before attempting to return home.

Always exercise extreme caution while re-entering a burned area as flare-ups can and do occur.

Check the roof and exterior of structure on your property for sparks, embers and smoldering debris and continue to do so for several days after returning home.

Dial 911 if danger exists.