Peninsula Still At Fire Risk Despite Marine Layer

SAN MATEO COUNTY, CA — The heavy marine layer recently hanging over San Mateo County is not indicative of improved fire conditions, according to the Cal Fire San Mateo-Santa Cruz Unit.

Some locals mistakenly believe fire conditions are comparable to springtime conditions, though grasses and other fire fuels could quickly dry up on a windy day, Cal Fire said Monday in a news release. Firefighters have recently responded to fires linked to burn piles and warming fires where the responsible party did not have a permit or take steps to ensure the fire did not escape and spread.

"The last few years saw devastating reminders that the public cannot let their guard down," said Cal Fire Director and Chief Thom Porter in the news release. "Together, we must continue to adapt and evolve to be able to withstand the intensity of these fires."

Despite recent weather conditions, 2020 has been an exceptionally dry year — and a busy one for firefighters.

February was the driest month the Golden State had seen in 170 years and California has accumulated less than half of its average annual rainfall, Cal Fire said.

Cal Fire firefighters have battled some 4,800 fires spanning 94,000 acres this year, compared to 2,900 fires across 23,800 acres last year.

Campfires and ceremonial fires are legal, but Cal Fire reminds the public that starting fires now "might not be [the] best decision," as anyone who allows a fire to get out of control would be criminally and civilly liable. Anyone who decided to start a fire should take precautions, never leave a fire unattended and keep an adequate amount of water on hand to suppress a fire.

Cal Fire also urges the public to ensure they're maintaining 100 feet of defensible space around all buildings on their property. Be ready to evacuate if need be.

Get more fire safety tips at readyforwildfire.org.