10/10/2008 GAAS:713:08 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Print Version | Email / Share
Gov. Schwarzenegger Prepares State for Santa Ana Winds
The first significant winds of the season are expected to
blow through Southern California beginning
this Sunday, prompting Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to direct his Office of
Emergency Services (OES) and the California Department of Forestry and Fire
Protection (CAL FIRE) to prepare for the
wildfire potential that accompanies this weather forecast.
"Given the Santa Ana winds
forecast, Southern California residents should
rest assured that the state is monitoring weather conditions closely and
working with firefighters and local officials to ensure that we are all
prepared for potential wildfires," Governor Schwarzenegger said. "During this
time, it's also important that residents make sure they are prepared if a fire
does strike by taking steps such as having a family disaster plan in place and
extra supplies readily available."
The National Weather Service is predicting that Santa Ana winds will turn offshore across Southern California by Sunday and those winds will become
strong and gusty below the canyons and passes by Monday morning. Winds in the
20 to 40 mph range, with gusts up to 50 mph, will be accompanied by warmer and
much drier conditions that will last through at least Tuesday.
As a result of the increased fire risk potential, OES's Fire
and Rescue Branch has coordinated with CAL FIRE and the U.S. Forest Service to
identify state, federal and local firefighting resources such as fire engines,
water tenders, helicopters and air tankers available to be deployed from
throughout the state. OES is also working closely with the National Weather
Service to monitor any new developments, and OES and CAL FIRE will quickly
deploy resources anywhere they are needed.
Earlier this year, the Governor issued Executive Order S-03-08 that directed CAL FIRE to secure and deploy additional resources as necessary
to protect the safety of persons and property from wildfires during periods of
elevated fire risk. The executive order included staffing additional fire
crews, fire engines, bulldozers and aviation resources based on fire threat
conditions. As directed, CAL FIRE has increased staffing and
pre-positioning levels of firefighters and resources throughout the state in
preparation for the predicted moderate Santa
Ana wind event.
CAL FIRE is maintaining an emergency response capacity
throughout the entire state to respond to wildfires as necessary, as well
as be available to respond to the southern part of the state where the fire
danger remains at a heightened level. Fire season has become year round in
California,
and October fires in years past have been particularly difficult.
Additionally, the California National Guard has offered
resources such as fire hand crews and aircraft for deployment by OES, and the
U.S. Forest Service has moved nine additional air tankers to Southern
California this week.
OES worked closely with Caltrans to move three 48-foot
trailers to the Regional
Emergency Operations
Center in Los Alamitos
this week. These trailers are filled with more than 2,100 cots, 4,300 blankets,
pillows and personal hygiene kits in the event any new fires displace residents
to emergency shelters.
Daily coordination calls with key state agencies are being
coordinated by OES to ensure that emergency resources and supplies are
available throughout the holiday weekend if needed.
