Parched Landscape, Forecast Lightning Storms Put Fire Crews on Edge

Dry lightning and strong winds forecast for various areas in the upcoming week has prompted the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection to increase staffing in the Southland and in the northern part of the state, authorities said today.

The Los Angeles city and county fire departments are monitoring the situation, but have not increased their staffing levels as of early this afternoon, agency spokespeople said.

Cal Fire spokesperson Mike Mohler said his agency has added staffing in its emergency command centers, staffed its reserve fire engines, and placed additional fire crews and bulldozers so they are available around the clock.

Mohler said thunderstorms in mountain regions as early as today can be preceded by “dry lightning” -- that is, without precipitation -- greatly increasing the chances of new wildfires.

“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.

“We are prepared, and we ask that the residents and visitors of California do their part to prevent any new wildfires,” Pimlott said.

The National Weather Service officials said dry lightning strikes are possible Sunday in Southland mountain areas with monsoon moisture moving into the region by Monday.

Cal Fire urged people to follow these safety tips:

-- any mowing or weed-reduction activities using power equipment should be done before 10 a.m., and never during extremely dry or windy conditions;

-- never use lawn mowers in dry vegetation; and

-- ensure that campfires are permitted; and, if they are, be sure to extinguish them completely when done with them.

More information is available at www.ReadyForWildfire.org , or at www.fire.ca.gov.

City News Service

Photo Credit: Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department