As the temperatures rise in Southern California and Santa Ana winds sweep through, fire agencies have increased staffing to cover San Diego County in the event of wildfires.
On Saturday, Lee Swanson of the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department (SDFD) said the agency has bulked up staffing, effective through Wednesday, in preparation for fire conditions.
San Diego County is under a Fire Weather Watch that lasts through Monday afternoon, plus heat and wind advisories, as the region braces for the first Santa Ana event of the season.
At 1:15 p.m., the National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed the watches and advisories had risen to the level of a Red Flag warning for the county, in effect from 12 a.m. Sunday until 3 p.m. Monday.
To that end, Swanson said SDFD Chief Brian Fennessy has ordered five additional brush engine companies to remain on duty at “strategic locations” across San Diego.
Both of the helicopters operated by the fire department are also being staffed and additional pilots, mechanics, and fuel truck operators are being called in to ensure flight operations are ready to launch 24-hours a day during this time period of heightened wildfire risk.
Fennessy said in a press release Saturday that, while this week’s rain slightly lessened fire danger in San Diego, the high winds and hot temperatures hitting the county this weekend will prompt quick drying of vegetation and fuel fire conditions.
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The SDFD chief said all residents should take precautions during this time, and be ready to evacuate quickly in case of a fire.
Meanwhile, Cal Fire officials confirmed Friday that their agency has also increased firefighter staffing across California over the next several days as Santa Ana winds sweep in.
"Traditionally, late September through mid-November is Santa Ana season," said Chief Thom Porter, Cal Fire Southern Region Chief, in a press release. "Many of California’s largest and most damaging wildfires coincide with this time of year."
The NWS said the Red Flag warning spans San Diego County's inland valleys where strong gusty winds between 15 and 45 mph are expected amid low levels of humidity.
In addition, a Fire Weather Watch for San Diego County is in effect through 5 p.m. Monday, while a heat advisory runs from 11 a.m. Sunday through 8 p.m. Monday and a wind advisory expires at 4 p.m. Sunday.
According to the NWS, gradual cooling should begin Tuesday and Wednesday.
