As Red Flag Warnings impacts Northern California, at the direction of Governor Gavin Newsom, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) has prepositioned firefighting resources to Plumas, Tehama, Sierra, Colusa, Shasta, Glenn, and Mono counties to strengthen local response capabilities ahead of increased wildfire potential.
Beginning Saturday, September 12, at 7 a.m., Cal OES will strategically deploy 26 fire engines, 9 water tenders, 1 helicopter, 1 bulldozer, and approximately 100 personnel through the morning of Monday, September 14.
“Being ready before dangerous fire weather arrives gives California a critical advantage,” said Cal OES Director Caroline Thomas Jacobs. “By moving resources into high-risk areas ahead of severe heat and fire conditions, we can respond more quickly to new incidents, reinforce local capabilities and help keep communities across the state safe.”
The deployment comes as California experiences extreme heat and seasonally elevated fire weather conditions. These Red Flag Warnings are driven by hot temperatures, low humidity, and periods of gusty winds.
Prepositioning resources allows Cal OES to work alongside local fire agencies to strategically stage firefighting resources in areas where wildfire risk is expected to increase, improving response times and helping local agencies contain fires before they become large incidents. The staging locations and response assignments of these resources are at the direction of local fire officials.
Californians Can Help Reduce Wildfire Risk
Everyone can take steps to prepare and reduce the risk of starting a fire, including:
- Prepare a wildfire action plan, including planning evacuation routes and packing a go-bag with essentials.
- Avoid activities that can create sparks, especially during the hottest and windiest parts of the day.
- Sign up for local emergency alerts to stay informed about changing conditions.
- Visit CalHeatScore.CalEPA.ca.gov to find heat safety information specific to your area.
- For more information on fire safety and general preparedness, visit Ready.ca.gov.