More California Wildfires Expected As Governor Declares Drought
- By Max Pringle
California fire officials say the Governor's drought declaration means they'll be getting additional resources to handle the wildfire risks expected in what's shaping up to be the driest winter on record.
Listen now: http://www.capradio.org/articles/2014/01/20/more-california-wildfires-expected-as-governor-declares-drought/(Sacramento, CA)
Monday, January 20, 2014
Cal Fire says that just over the past couple of weeks it has responded to more than 150 wildfires state-wide. Those fires have scorched about 600 acres.
Cal Fire's Daniel Berlant says in normal years the agency would only have been on about 25 calls by now.
"This is a very unusual winter and unfortunately if we don't get rain anytime soon this couldbe a sign of what's to come."
~Daniel Berlant, Cal Fire
The state is hiring about 125 additional firefighters for Northern California. The summer fire season never really ended in Southern California. Fire air stations around the state also have not shut down for the winter.
"Conditions are very similar to what we would see in late spring and early summer. The grass and brush is very dry and it's easily able to catch on fire."
~Daniel Berlant, Cal Fire
Fire officials are warning that, just as in past heavy wildfire years, state budget reserves may have to be used to pay for extra staffing and equipment.
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