CAL FIRE, MILITARY STAND BY IN READINESS FOR LIGHTINING FIRES

By Miriam Raftery

File photo by Jim Pelley: Vallecitos Lightning Fire

June 26, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) – CAL FIRE Captain Kendal Bortisser and County Fire Chief Tony Mecham advise that a plan is in place to ensure additional fire protection for the San Diego region in anticipation of dry thunderstorms and lightning predicted to move through Southern California this weekend.

“Additional personnel have been recalled, firefighters held on duty, and equipment including bulldozers, water tenders and hand crews are staffed  24/7 throughout the County,” a press statement issued by Captain Bortisser today states. “There are two Task Forces of CAL FIRE and County Fire Engines and Water Tenders strategically pre-positioned where lightning is predicted in Warner Springs and Pine Valley.”

In addition, he confirms, “The Military has been queried and has helicopters available in the event they are needed, and an additional County helicopter is fully staffed.“