Posted by: Kim_Hamilton on 05/01/2008 03:44 PM
Updated by: Kim_Hamilton on 05/01/2008 03:59 PM
Expires: 01/01/2013 12:00 AM
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CAL FIRE Prepares To Keep the Public Safe During Fire Season and Year Round
San Andreas, CA.....With rising temperatures, rapidly drying vegetation, and the onset of summer weather patterns, CAL FIRE’s Tuolumne Calaveras Unit (TCU) is preparing for an early start to the 2008 fire season. 74 seasonal firefighters were hired on April 28, 2008 and are completing training this week. This early hiring of seasonal staff is in addition to the 12 seasonal firefighters currently employed in TCU. Starting Monday May 5, these firefighters will staff the Unit’s 15 stations 24 hours per day. In addition to fire engines, 1....
water-dropping helicopter, 1 air tactical airplane and 1 air tanker are in full operation at Columbia Air Attack Base. Also, the 10 fire crews at Baseline and Vallecito Conservation Camps are staffed and will demonstrate their fire readiness at their annual drill May 6 and 7.
The opening of fire season varies geographically throughout the state, based upon weather conditions, fuel loads and increased fire activity. The decision to staff the fire engines early is made by the Unit Chief based on local fire conditions. By hiring seasonal firefighters, staffing fire facilities 24 hours per day, and bringing the air operations on early TCU has increased our emergency response capabilities to match the fire potential in both Tuolumne and Calaveras counties.
Every year a tremendous potential for wildfire exists in California. CAL FIRE works very hard to prevent wildfires and to keep wildfires as small as possible, but all California residents must take steps that will help our firefighters. Maintaining 100 feet of defensible space around homes is the single most important step residents and property owners can take in preparing for a wildfire.
Burn permits are required May 1, 2008, with burning hours restricted to 7PM to 8AM on permissive burn days.
Contact your nearest CAL FIRE facility or visit the CAL FIRE website at www.fire.ca.gov for more information on fire safety.
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