FROM THE FIRE CHIEF'S CORNER: WE'VE SEEN FIRE AND WE'VE SEEN RAIN - AND WE'RE GOING TO SEE MORE!

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By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

July 29, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) --We feel the impact every day. Warm temperatures and lack of rain continue to increased drought conditions. With greater evaporation, particularly during the summer and fall, this will and is exacerbating drought conditions resulting in an extremely high increase of wildfires. Fires are spreading at a phenomenal rate of spread. A deadly and disastrous rate that impacts us all!

“Though we have had monsoonal rains, and many are forecasted in the near future, it’s important to remember most of the fuels that surround us are what’s known as ‘one hour fuels’ reminds Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna. What this means is it takes only about one hour to completely dry out our vegetation and ready to burn even after a rain storm. The conditions out there because of the drought have caused all of the fuel and vegetation to become extremely dry and readily available to burn. The fuel moisture ‘content’ is critically low so it's definitely contributing to how quickly fires spread."

This is a double edged sword so don’t be fooled. The National Weather Service continues to show evidence of additional rain through both summer and winter months. Expect fire and expect rain. Both will be at dangerous levels. Where ever you live, prepare for both. They will have a profound impact on all of us!

For more information contact your local fire department and visit: http://www.readyforwildfire.org/ and http://www.water.ca.gov/floodsafe/ca-flood-preparedness/fpw-day5.cfm

Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

 


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