California is readying to deploy state firefighting resources in Los Angeles County ahead of high heat and potential fire weather that’s expected to impact the area this week.
Gov. Gavin Newsom has directed the California Office of Emergency Services to pre-deploy crews throughout Los Angeles County, after the National Weather Service warned of a “dangerous heatwave” Wednesday through Saturday.
“Extreme summer weather is returning to California this week. Now is the time to check the forecasts for your area and prepare for higher temperatures and dangerous fire weather,” Newsom said in a news release. “While the best thing we can all do is prepare now, the state is also pre-deploying resources to protect communities from catastrophic wildfire.”
A total of 10 fire engines, two water tenders, two bulldozers and one helicopter are pre-deployed in the L.A. area, alongside two hand crews, three additional dispatchers and an incident management team.
Staging these additional fire resources allow for the quicker response to potential fire impacts, and state officials say it’s proven to be a critical tool in its wildfire response strategy to protect lives and preserve property.
“By pre-positioning firefighting crews, equipment, and other resources in high-risk areas, we can respond faster and more effectively when needed,” Cal OES Director Nancy Ward said.
According to the National Weather Service in Los Angeles, beginning Wednesday, mountains and deserts in the area will experience major heat and fire conditions. On Thursday, valleys across the region will begin to experience the same conditions, with risks of thunderstorms possible beginning Friday through the weekend.
Heat risk will peak Thursday and Friday in most areas, with most of Los Angeles County facing moderate-to-major heat conditions, with some areas in the Antelope Valley receiving the “Extreme” warning label.
High temperatures during this period could reach 95 to 105 degrees away from beaches, and up 110 degrees in the interior areas.
NWS warns that these conditions, alongside potential lightning strikes from thunder storms, present ideal conditions for “extreme fire behavior” aided by low relative humidity and breezy winds.
Cal Fire Chief Joe Tyler said the department remains “fully staffed and prepared across the state” as this year’s worst heat wave hits.
State officials urge Californians to stay vigilant during this potentially dangerous heat wave. They encourage residents to develop a wildfire action plan, including planning evacuation routes and packing a go-bag with essentials, sign up for local emergency alerts, and monitor heat safety information specific to their area.
Additional information on fire safety and emergency preparedness can be found on Ready.ca.gov.
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