A Red Flag warning has Northern California fire crews and residents on alert through Monday as dry grass and high winds raise concerns about wildfire danger.
Homeowners living near open fields and dry vegetation said preparing for fire season is a year-round effort, but some worry neglected properties can put surrounding neighborhoods at risk.
“We mow and mow. We eat and mow. Just keep doing it. Keep it down. Keep it safe,” said Christopher Clay, a Vacaville resident and former firefighter who lives on a ranch.
Clay said the combination of high winds and dry fuels this weekend is especially concerning.
Residents are also taking additional precautions around their properties. John Crawford drove from Walnut Creek to the Vacaville area to buy a lawn mower as part of his wildfire preparations.
“We try and stay ahead of it before it gets hot. Multiple times throughout the year, we’ll cut the grass down,” Crawford said. “We’ll even cut fire breaks through our property, where we’ll make roadways that are wide enough that’ll help slow down the fire before it gets to our structures, our buildings.”
Cal Fire crews are also preparing for possible wildfire activity, including in Western Placer County and along the western slope of the Sierra.
The Nevada-Yuba-Placer Unit said it is fully staffed with 22 engines, bulldozers, and crews in place.
“It did seem like it just rained a lot, but things do dry out super fast,” said Casey Spaich with Cal Fire. “Especially down here in the grass, you’re looking at one-hour fuels, so after an hour to dry out that stuff’s ready to burn.”
Spaich said people who see a fire spark should call 911 immediately and avoid putting themselves in danger. He said residents with access to water may be able to put out a small fire safely.
Cal Fire is also urging residents to avoid using equipment that could spark fires during the warning period and to ensure tools are equipped with proper spark arresters.
“What homeowners can do and citizens can do is they can just stay vigilant,” Spaich said. “Make them aware of their surroundings where they are, and if they are going to use equipment, we ask them to maybe please try and refrain from that.”
Neighbors are also urging absentee property owners to maintain dry grass and weeds on their land.
“They don’t maintain the property. So when the grass gets really high in the wintertime, then it all dries out,” Clay said. “Well, you have all this long dead grass, and it’s just fuel. And it’s very dangerous.”
Cal Fire said people should also prepare for possible evacuations by keeping a wildfire go bag ready with at least a three-day supply of nonperishable food, water, medications, and other necessities.
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