HIGH WINDS PREDICTED TONIGHT THROUGH SUNDAY: CAL-FIRE BEEFS UP PROTECTION

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By Miriam Raftery

San Diego's East County (January 9, 2009) — Cal Fire has dramatically increased fire protection staffing in anticipation of wind gusts of 40 mph or higher predicted starting tonight through this weekend.

"We will have 18 engines with three- person staffing, 19 hand crews, three bulldozers, and the two Sheriffs helicopters," Cal Fire Captain Nick Schuler advised East County Magazine. In addition, he said, Cal Fire has moved a helicopter down from Northern California into Fallbrook.

"We have three air tankers in Ramona, as well as we are staffing four military helicopter managers--the captains who would get on a military helicopter if we requested the military," he added. Cal Fire will also have one division supervisor, one safety officer, one public information officer, and an extra division chief on hand.

Asked if he believes the added staffing will be adequate in the event of a wildfire, Schuler replied, "We are ready should an incident occur. This is a proactive step by Cal Fire to insure that the people in San Diego County are protected. With that being said, critics may say with the state budget and you reducing staffing weeks ago, how can you afford to do this?"

The answer, Schuler noted, is that it is "much more cost effective to be proactive than reactive. A fire that's established and spreads costs millions and millions of dollars."

Cal Fire is also increasing staffing in Riverside and San Bernadino Counties, Schuler said.


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