FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — Triple-digit temperatures are expected across Central California this week, raising concerns about increased fire danger as firefighters prepare for hot, dry conditions.<\/p>\n
CAL FIRE says extreme heat, particularly when combined with low humidity and strong winds, can create conditions for rapidly growing wildfires. As a result, fire crews across the region are taking steps to ensure they are ready to respond quickly to any significant fire event.<\/p>\n
“Hydration is key. We encourage everyone to drink plenty of water,” said Josh Sellers with the Fresno Fire Department.<\/p>\n
Capt. Zach Irion of Cal Fire Fresno County said the weather conditions expected this week can elevate fire risk.<\/p>\n
“Especially when it’s coupled with low humidity and high winds, that can really create a scenario where we can see rapidly growing fires,” Irion said.<\/p>\n
Officials say fire season is no longer limited to a specific time of year and has effectively become a year-round concern. To prepare for periods of extreme heat, CAL FIRE is positioning resources in areas where they may be needed most.<\/p>\n
“When we have high heat throughout the state, CAL FIRE does pre-position engines, dozers, and hand crews to rapidly respond to incidents,” Irion said.<\/p>\n
The agency is currently battling several wildfires across California, including the Rock and Cinder Complex fires in Inyo County.<\/p>\n
Irion said preventing human-caused fires remains a top priority during periods of extreme heat.<\/p>\n
“The greatest concern for us is having a preventable fire start at the hottest part of the day,” he said. “That can threaten homes, lives, and actual resources.”<\/p>\n
In Fresno, officials are also focused on reducing fire hazards created by dry vegetation.<\/p>\n
“It doesn’t take much to see if there’s a lot of dry vegetation. It can quickly become a fire hazard,” Sellers said.<\/p>\n
According to Fresno City Attorney Andrew Janz, there are 2,200 privately owned vacant lots throughout the city. He said code enforcement officials regularly monitor those properties and work with owners to address fire hazards.<\/p>\n
“We give the property owners a chance to abate their own locations,” Janz said. “If they don’t have the ability to do that, the city will come and do it and then charge the property owner.”<\/p>\n
One of the locations regularly monitored by code enforcement is a vacant lot near Shields and Glen avenues in central Fresno, where dry grass is present near homes and a busy street.<\/p>\n
“People’s safety is first and foremost, especially during the hot summer months,” Janz said. “We see a lot of brush fires, we see a lot of fires on the fourth of July and the days after. So we want to make sure we monitor these locations very carefully.”<\/p>\n
City code prohibits grass and weeds taller than 10 inches within 200 feet of a building. Property owners who fail to comply can receive warnings and eventually face fines.<\/p>\n
Fire officials are also encouraging residents to maintain defensible space around their homes by clearing vegetation that could contribute to the spread of a fire.<\/p>\n
As temperatures climb this week, firefighters say taking preventative measures now can help reduce the risk of dangerous fires during the hottest days of the summer.<\/p>\n
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