Officials to Stress Fire Prevention During News Conference

By City News Service

Riverside County officials on Friday will be reinforcing the importance of taking precautions to prevent wildfires this summer amid bone-dry conditions.

May 3-9 is “Wildfire Awareness Week,” and with the statewide drought increasing the risks of major outbreaks, officials want the public to fully understand the need for extra care when handling any type of device that could ignite a blaze, as well as how to fortify properties against fire threats.

“Cal Fire and fire departments across the state will remind residents of the dangers posed by wildfires and the simple steps that should be followed to prepare for and prevent them,” according to a Cal Fire statement. “With this year’s record low rain and continued drought impacts, the importance of preparing for wildfires has only been heightened.”

On Friday, Cal Fire Director Ken Pimlott, Riverside County Fire Chief John Hawkins and Supervisor Chuck Washington will gather for a news briefing at the Hemet Fire Attack Base, where a number of fixed-wing and rotorcraft firefighting assets are kept.

The speakers will address not only prevention techniques, but the strategies in place for contending with outbreaks during fire season, which generally spans May to November.

Crews have already been busy battling conflagrations. Last month, a wind- driven blaze in Jurupa Valley destroyed several homes, while a separate brusher -- triggered by an unattended campfire -- consumed more than 1,000 acres north of Corona Municipal Airport.