Forest Service Prepares for Santa Ana Winds
Incident: Grass Valley Wildland Fire
Released: 11/1/2007
USDA Forest Service
Pacific Southwest Region
1323 Club Drive, Vallejo, CA 94592
Regional Contact: Jason Kirchner (707) 562-9014
San Bernardino National Forest Contact: John Miller (909) 382-2788
Forest Service Prepares for Santa Ana Winds
VALLEJO, Calif. November 1, 2007- In anticipation of forecasted Santa Ana winds, the Forest Service is reserving additional firefighting resources to respond to potential new fire starts. These resources include more than 111 engines, 14 air tankers, and 8 helitankers.
"By holding firefighters and aircraft in southern California through the weekend, I am confident we will be able to immediately respond to any new fire starts and we can ensure fires remain contained during the expected winds this weekend," said Pacific Southwest Regional Director for Fire and Aviation Ed Hollenshead.
Locally, on the San Bernardino National Forest, all fire stations will be fully staffed for 24 hours per day. Supplemental resources from northern California and neighboring states have been brought in as well. The Slide and Grass Valley fires will be staffed with approximately 1,000 firefighters that will be available should another fire start.
"Immediate initial attack is our priority," said San Bernardino National Forest Fire Chief Mike Dietrich. "Quickly suppressing new fire starts can keep our efforts focused on the Grass Valley and Slide Fires and prevent any new large fires."
Crews have contained all but two of the fires on National Forest System lands in southern California. However, hot spots still exist within the interior of the fires. Additional firefighters will be on hand to ensure the flames do not spread outside of containment lines. Experts predict Santa Ana winds will occur between late Friday evening and Saturday afternoon. Winds are not expected to be as strong, or last as long as last week's winds.
Forest Supervisor Jeanne Wade Evans noted that due to the expected wind event, the forest plans additional patrol efforts and will be on high alert for arsonists and other suspicious activities. "It's a time for everyone to be vigilant," she said.
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