A Safe Memorial Day Weekend
Sacramento, CA– This holiday weekend, Cal Fire officials are reminding everyone to play it safe.
While the weather is ideal for Californians and tourists to enjoy outdoor activities, the spring’s above average rainfall has led to an abundance of grass and brush that has now begun to dry out. Cal Fire says this grass and brush can become increasingly flammable. Cal Fire crews have already seen an increase in the number of wildfires, even with the late rain.
“Many people don’t realize that most of the low lying grass only takes an hour to dry out,” said Chief Ken Pimlott, acting director of Cal Fire. “This weekend’s weather forecast appears to be great for outdoor activities, but people still need to be cautious this time of year, because the grass can burn.”
Wildfires are not the only dangers posed by the outdoors. Drownings also dramatically increase during the Memorial Day weekend.
In California, drowning is the leading cause of deaths among children under 14, and every year Cal Fire responds to water rescues across the state, many of which tragically claim the lives of both adults and children.
Cal Fire recommends while camping to obtain necessary permits needed for campfires, clear away grass, leaves and other debris within a 10-foot perimeter of any campfire and have a responsible person in attendance at all times.
In the water, Cal Fire says to always remember to wear a life jacket and children should always be supervised by a responsible adult.
For more ways to be safe during the Memorial Day Weekend, visit the Cal Fire website at www.fire.ca.gov.
Written by tina.falco@mlode.com
