NEW DROUGHT LIKELY THIS SEASON, RAISING FIRE RISK

Amid firefighting cuts, County Fire Chiefs voice concerns

By Megan McGlamery

January 13, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)--On January 5, the National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center released the United States Seasonal Drought Outlook for January 5- March 31. The forecast map reveals that drought is likely in southern California and the southwest. View map.

Restricted water usage and rate hikes were among the impacts the last drought had on local residents. But in East County, drought also brings heightened risk of wildfire-- a potentially alarming prospect at a time when firefighting resources are spread thin.

“The San Diego Fire Chiefs are always concerned about drought conditions and adverse weather,” Chief Dave Hanneman, vice president of the San Diego County Fire Chiefs’ Association, told ECM. We have a very dry climate and when that is mixed with high winds (Santa Anas); it has proven to be a ripe environment for devastating wildfires. Once a wildfire starts, it is very difficult to extinguish with high winds and low humidity, which are consistent with drought conditions.”

Due to budget cutbacks, many fire departments in San Diego County have had to change or downgrade their resources. This may cause some potential problems during a drought.

“Many fire chiefs have had to cutback and reduce their emergency response by reducing engine companies or staffing,” explains Hanneman. “The state has also reduced their fire response capabilities, which impacts all of us here in San Diego County. If you add to this the equation of drought conditions, it becomes imperative that our firefighters are well trained.”

Hanneman also describes the system that firefighters employ in order to utilize their resources. “Mutual aid and automatic aid is a system where the closest fire units respond to the call regardless of which jurisdiction it is in. This means that calls on the border have the fastest response and can be better controlled before they have a chance to get out of hand.”

There are many things people can do to prepare for the possibility of wildfires, but the most important thing is to be educated.

“Wildfire prevention and education is very important to preventing a fire, especially in drought conditions,” says Hanneman. “The San Diego County Fire Chiefs’ have had two major education campaigns in the past few years. One is called, ‘Before the Threat’ and the other, ‘Ready, Set, Go.’ These campaigns demonstrate to the community what they can do to prepare their homes for fires and how to take care of themselves in the event of a fire.”

Hanneman also believes that people should be conscious of the elevated danger of fire under drought conditions. “Things such as discarding lit cigarettes, not properly disposing of fireplace ashes and doing activities in a wild land area that might give off a spark are examples of this awareness level,” he concludes.