Dry winter has Cal Fire on alert

The lack of precipitation across the state has led to one of the driest winters on record. According to the Department of Water Resources, the statewide water content is at 19 percent of normal.

The drier than normal conditions, coupled with wind events and low humidity, have frequently increased the fire danger over the past month.

“Fire activity in northern California during winter is very rare, where snow-covered mountains and rain-soaked hillsides typically keep the fire danger relatively low,” said Chief Ken Pimlott, Cal Fire director. “We will be monitoring the rain levels over the next couple months, as it will be an indicator of the type of fire activity spring and summer will bring.”

In response to above-normal fire activity, Cal Fire has increased its staffing using its 4,700 permanent employees with the help of inmate fire crews. The public is asked to be extra cautious due to the dry conditions, especially on windy days.

For fire safety tips, visit www.ReadyForWildfire.org or www.fire.ca.gov.