From the San Diego County News Center: The National Weather Service issued a Fire Weather Watch from early Thursday (October 10, 2019) through late Friday. Meteorologists also expect humidity will be critically low.
Residents are asked to use extreme caution with fire sources such as power tools and cigarettes due to Santa Ana winds expected to sweep through San Diego County mountains and inland valleys Thursday and Friday. The arrival of the fall’s first Santa Ana is a reminder that it is peak fire season, and the region’s dry brush and grasses could potentially ignite a dangerous wildfire and threaten communities.
The National Weather Service issued a Fire Weather Watch from 3 a.m. Thursday through 8 p.m. Friday adding that northeast to east winds will gust from 35 to 60 mph. Meteorologists also expect humidity will be critically low.
Fire season is year-round in San Diego County, but CAL FIRE and San Diego County Fire officials said there is an increased risk in the fall months when most of the brush and grasses are dried out and strong Santa Ana winds are blowing.
Here are some dos and don’ts to prevent a wildfire. Some of these recommendations may seem obvious but they continue to be common causes of fires.
- Do not attempt to use power tools to clear away brush during periods of high fire danger. It could spark on a rock and start a fire.
- Never pull your vehicle over in grass or brush because it can start a fire. Pull over on paved roads when necessary.
- Never discard smoking materials out a window or toss a lit cigarette butt into an area of vegetation.
- Use spark arrestors on portable gasoline powered equipment to avoid an accidental fire.
SDGE PSPS: For current information from SDGE about a potential Public Safety Power Shutoff and list of at risk communities, visit https://www.sdge.com/wildfire-safety/public-safety-power-shutoffs
COUNTY NEWS CENTER: For more information from the County News Center on how to reduce fire risk, visit https://www.countynewscenter.com/take-extra-precautions-during-fire-weather-watch-peak-fire-season/
For related posts, visit https://www.universitycitynews.org/category/sdfd/
