Lightning forecast for Northern California raises fire concerns

Cal Fire boosts staffing

Ukiah Daily Journal

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection reported Wednesday that it has boosted staffing due to dry lightning and strong winds expected throughout much of Northern California.

According to Cal Fire, a low pressure system along the coast is bringing subtropical moisture, which is causing isolated thunderstorms across northern and central California, many of which have little to no rain with them. Considerable lightning has already begun and is likely to continue into Thursday, and it has already sparked more than a dozen fires over the Sierra and northeastern California.

Cal Fire staffed its reserve fire engines, placed additional inmate fire crews available 24 hours a day, and has held all personnel on duty. In addition to department preparations, the agency is in close communication with local, state and federal partners, including the U.S. Forest Service, the California National Guard and the California Emergency Management Agency.

"This year we have seen a significant increase in lightning-sparked fires in California," said Chief Ken Pimlott, Cal Fire director. "With the already tinder-dry conditions, this lightning storm system has elevated the fire danger even higher for this week."

The agency is urging all residents to help prevent fires by:

Not mowing or weed eating after 10 a.m. and NEVER during extremely dry or windy conditions.

Never using lawn mowers in dry vegetation.

Ensuring campfires are permitted and extinguishing them completely when done

Never pulling a vehicle over in tall dry grass

For more ways to prepare for wildfires, visit www.ReadyForWildfire.org

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/UkiahDailyJournalMostViewed/~3/RZci8uNbZ4k/lightning-forecast-northern-california-raises-fire-concerns

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