May 21, 2005
Heating up, Gearing up!
Wildfire danger worries local firefighters
By Erin Musgrave/(Hollister Freelance)
"Hollister - With about 130 percent more rain than average in San Benito County this winter causing wildland grasses to flourish, more fuel for possible fires has local firefighters preparing for the worst and hoping for the best as fire season quickly approaches.
Two situations can increase fire hazards during the summer months - no rain that creates drier than normal grasses, or significant rainfall that results in taller and thicker grasses, according to Chief Curt Itson of the California Department of Forestry.
However, neither situation foretells whether the season will be good or bad, he said.
“We prepare for the worst fire season in history every year and hopefully that doesn’t happen,” Itson said. “This is where fire happens in the United States and we’re prepared.”
CDF and San Benito County firefighters began wildland fire training this week, but Itson said there’s no set date for the opening of fire season. Usually, fire activity starts to pick up around June or July and gets into full swing in August and September, he said......"
Hollister Freelance
*My opinion; it's game on right now. I believe the Chief wants to fully staff the stations early this year. Administrative constraints prevent early manning but he knows this year is going to be especially dangerous. San Benito County topography is particularly inhospitable to firefighters. They have a challenging season ahead.
Categories:
CDF
wildland firefighting
By Erin Musgrave/(Hollister Freelance)
"Hollister - With about 130 percent more rain than average in San Benito County this winter causing wildland grasses to flourish, more fuel for possible fires has local firefighters preparing for the worst and hoping for the best as fire season quickly approaches.
Two situations can increase fire hazards during the summer months - no rain that creates drier than normal grasses, or significant rainfall that results in taller and thicker grasses, according to Chief Curt Itson of the California Department of Forestry.
However, neither situation foretells whether the season will be good or bad, he said.
“We prepare for the worst fire season in history every year and hopefully that doesn’t happen,” Itson said. “This is where fire happens in the United States and we’re prepared.”
CDF and San Benito County firefighters began wildland fire training this week, but Itson said there’s no set date for the opening of fire season. Usually, fire activity starts to pick up around June or July and gets into full swing in August and September, he said......"
Hollister Freelance
*My opinion; it's game on right now. I believe the Chief wants to fully staff the stations early this year. Administrative constraints prevent early manning but he knows this year is going to be especially dangerous. San Benito County topography is particularly inhospitable to firefighters. They have a challenging season ahead.
Categories:
CDF
wildland firefighting
