May 2, 2013 (San Diego's East County) -- A red flag warning is in effect today and tomorrow through 6 p.m. due to high fire danger from excessive heat, low humidity and high winds.
Cal-Fire has provided an update on fire activitity across the state, including a nearly 3,000-acre fire in RIverside County, as well as increased increased steps that Cal Fire is taking to ensure our region is prepared.
In anticipation of the high-fire danger conditions forecast by the National Weather Service, on Tuesday evening Cal Fire increased fire engines, handcrews, dozers, and airtankers across California. In San Diego, in cooperation with San Diego County Fire Authority partners, Cal-Fire increased the staffing of four water tenders strategically in the county. Additional support staff has been placed in the Cal-Fire Emergency Command Center and other critical functions to ensure operational readiness.
On Wednesday afternoon the Summit Fire in Riverside began north of Interstate 10 near the community of Banning. Resources were sent to Riverside including 20 engines (10 CAL FIRE, 5 OES, 5 Local Government), 8 CAL FIRE handcrews and 2 CAL FIRE dozers. There are also several other smaller fires throughout the state including the Panther fire in Butte County where a CAL FIRE Incident Management Team (IMT) has been activated.
"The question is always asked of our agency how we are ensuring operational readiness in San Diego if we are sending resources to other locations throughout the state," said Batallion Chief Nick Schuler with Cal-Fire in an e-mail sent to media. "Our increased staffing patterns prior to fires occurring allows additional resources to leave the county while maintaining an appropriate level of staffing. Chief Porter remains in constant communication with our local, state and federal cooperators as the Operational Area Coordinator for San Diego County. Additionally our ability to utilize other fire agencies as part of California's Master Mutual and System (essentially neighbor helping neighbor) is a credit to cooperative fire protection."
Fires of Interest:
**CAL FIRE Incidents**
Summit Fire, Riverside County (more info…)
Mias Canyon and Bluff Rd in Banning
* 2,956 acres - 40% contained
* All evacuations have been lifted
Panther Fire, Tehama County (more info…)
8 miles northwest of Butte Meadows
* 1,600 acres - 0% contained
* A CAL FIRE Incident Management Team has been assigned
306 Fire, Glenn County (more info…)
Road 306 on Gravelly Ridge in Elk Creek
* 110 acres – 5% contained
Cedar Fire, Butte County (more info…)
South of Butte Meadows
* 55 acres - 40% contained
Yellow Fire, Sonoma County (more info…)
Hwy 128 in Knights Valley, northwest of Calistoga
* 125 acres - 60% contained
* Full containment expected today
Soda Fire, Napa County
Soda Canyon Rd, north of Napa
* 20 acres - 100% contained
Silverado Fire, Napa County
Silverado Trail in Yountville, north of Napa
* 75 acres - 100% contained
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