May 31, 2013: CalFire has just issued a Red Flag Warning for Fire Danger in Northern California, due to dry winds being forecast.
They have increased staffing and are urging the public to be extra cautious due to the heightened fire danger.
The National weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning stretching from Shasta County down through the Sacramento Valley to San Joaquin County starting Friday morning for high winds and low humidity lasting through Saturday evening.
"Even with some recent rain in Northern California, conditions remain much drier than normal for this time of year," said Chief Ken Pimlott, CalFire director.
"We have extra firefighters and equipment available to respond to new wildfires, but now especially is when we need the public's help in preventing accidental wildfires."
Since January 1, 2013 CalFire has responded to nearly 1900 wildfires across California that have burned approximately 45,000 acres.
In an average year for the same time period, CalFire typically responds to about 990 fires that burn around 7700 acres.
The significantly dry conditions are a major factor in the 90% increase in fire activity.
During the Red Flag Warning CalFire urges all Calfironians to exercise extreme caution outdoors in order to prevent wildfires. A few helpful reminders and fire prevention tips include:
* Do not mow or weed eat dry grass on windy days.
* Ensure campfires area allowed, and if so, be sure to extinguish them completely.
* Target shoot only in approved areas, use lead ammunition only, and never at metal targets
* Be extra careful with all power equipment outdoors including chainsaws, tractors and welders
* Never burn landscape debris like leaves or branches on NO Burn Days or when its windy
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