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Fire Resources Arrive in Southern California

Governor Urges Resident to Prepare for Santa Ana Winds

By Michael P. Neufeld
Saturday, October 11, 2008

Sacramento, CA - The first Santa Ana winds of the season are expected to blow through Southern California beginning tomorrow, prompting Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to direct his Office of Emergency Services (OES) and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) to prepare for the wildfire potential that accompanies this weather forecast.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (Photo by Michael P. Neufeld.)

"Given the Santa Ana winds forecast, Southern California residents should rest assured that the state is monitoring weather conditions closely and working with firefighters and local officials to ensure that we are all prepared for potential wildfires," Schwarzenegger said in a prepared statement.

Several fixed wing air tankers are in place at the US Forest Service Air Tanker Base in San Bernardino. (Photo by Michael P. Neufeld.)

"During this time, it's also important that residents make sure they are prepared if a fire does strike by taking steps such as having a family disaster plan in place and extra supplies readily available," the governor emphasized.

As a result of the increased fire risk potential, OES's Fire and Rescue Branch has coordinated with CAL FIRE and the U.S. Forest Service to identify state, federal and local firefighting resources, such as fire engines, water tenders, helicopters and air tankers, available to be deployed from throughout the state. OES is also working closely with the National Weather Service to monitor any new developments, and OES and CAL FIRE will quickly deploy resources anywhere they are needed.

(Photo by Scott Straley.)

"As we potentially face our first Santa Ana winds of the season, we're ramping up our fire fighting resources and law enforcement patrols," San Bernardino National Forest Supervisor Jeanne Wade Evans stated.

Wade Evans explained an additional five engines will supplement the usual 25 local Forest Service engines, totaling 30 engines on extended staffing, as well as four hotshot crews, three air tankers, two helitankers, two helicopters, an air attack plane, and additional initial attack support. An additional four single engine air tankers can be available within four hours.

Two helitankers joined several fixed wing tankers at the San Bernardino Air Tanker Base operated by the US Forest Service to assist should a wildfire break out this weekend. (Photo by Michael P. Neufeld.)

Additionally, the California National Guard has offered resources such as fire hand crews and aircraft for deployment by OES, and the U.S. Forest Service has moved nine additional air tankers to Southern California this week.

OES also worked closely with Caltrans to move three 48-foot trailers to the Regional Emergency Operations Center in Los Alamitos this week. These trailers are filled with more than 2,100 cots, 4,300 blankets, pillows and personal hygiene kits in the event any new fires displace residents to emergency shelters.