Firefighters to extend staffing ahead of wind event

Fire personnel on the San Bernardino National Forest will begin extended staffing today, ahead of a red flag event that is expected to begin this evening. Schedules will be augmented to 24-hour shifts in case a fire begins overnight. With the combination of strong Santa Ana winds, single-digit daytime humidity with little overnight recovery and dry vegetation (low fuel moisture levels), a fire could grow rapidly and be difficult to control upon ignition.

“We’re urging the public to be diligent with anything that can cause fires when in and around the forest,” said Acting Deputy Fire Chief Scott Howes. “As Smokey Bear says, ‘One less spark.’”

The forest’s current fire restrictions include prohibitions on smoking, campfires outside certain campgrounds and target shooting. Violations can result in a mandatory federal court appearance with a fine up to $5,000 for individuals and/or up to six months imprisonment. Residents and visitors should also not park vehicles on dry grass, ash cigarettes from vehicle windows or place hot ashes from fireplaces in combustible containers.

The augmented overnight staffing will include 13 engines, three water tenders, six fire prevention patrols, one dozer, one hotshot crew and up to six chiefs over the next few days.