Rain Reduces Early Fire Risk
Sonora, CA — June is typically a time when the fire risk is very high across the Mother Lode, but recent weeks have been cool and rainy.
“In many areas we’ve been able to push back our seasonal hiring because of the lower fire danger,” says CAL Fire Spokesperson Daniel Berlant. “We have begun our first wave of hiring seasonal firefighters and opening many of our seasonal fire stations, so we are prepared to respond to wildfires. As we move into the summer months, and it becomes more dry, we’ll increase staffing accordingly.”
It is unknown whether the late hiring will result in savings for the state budget. It depends on how busy months like August and September are for fire crews. Berlant notes that despite the cooler conditions, the vegetation can dry out very quickly. Residents are still advised to use extreme caution this time of year.
Berlant recommends that residents take advantage of the cooler conditions by making sure homes have proper defensible space.
