Governor Newsom directs early, proactive steps to protect California communities and strengthen local fire response ahead of dangerous Santa Ana winds and Red Flag Warnings

Strengthening crews before winds arrive

CAL FIRE is increasing staffing and positioning engine strike teams across Southern California to reinforce crews and engines in the affected region.

Alongside those preparations, Cal OES is positioning additional firefighters, aircraft, and equipment in Orange, Ventura, Los Angeles, and Santa Barbara counties, as well as in communities across the state. The deployments will give local fire departments more resources to draw on as fire danger rises.

Cal OES resources will begin deploying Thursday morning, October 15, and remain deployed through Sunday, October 18. Local fire officials will determine staging locations and assignments based on expected conditions and operational needs. These preparations supplement California’s statewide Fire and Rescue Mutual Aid System and build on the state’s investments in firefighting personnel, equipment, technology, and training. The state will continue to track conditions and coordinate with local and federal partners. Additional personnel and equipment remain available as needs change.

For the latest county-by-county details on prepositioned resources, visit the Cal OES pre-position page.

Taking steps to prevent new fires

Alongside the state’s firefighting preparations, California State Parks and partner agencies announced today a new coordinated protocol for closing parklands during Red Flag warnings in the Santa Monica Mountains. 

The protocol will be used for the first time on Thursday, October 15, to help prevent wildfire ignitions, protect visitors and neighboring communities, and reduce the number of people who may need to evacuate if a fire starts.

State Parks, the National Park Service, the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy and the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority will coordinate closures to reduce accidental ignitions and protect visitors and nearby communities. The closures also help reduce the number of people who could need evacuation if a fire starts.

Visitors should check their destination’s status before leaving home and respect all posted closures. Access will vary by location and conditions.

Santa Monica Mountains at Malibu Creek State Park

The new protocol provides a more consistent approach to closures across the network of public lands managed by four agencies. Closure decisions will be based on National Weather Service forecasts and the location and severity of dangerous fire weather. Agencies will assess conditions daily and announce closures the day before whenever possible.

Preparing for potential Public Safety Power Shutoffs

As strong winds and critical fire weather conditions impact portions of California, utility providers may initiate Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) in portions of coastal and inland Southern California, the Sierra Nevada, and Northern California to reduce the risk of wildfires caused by electrical infrastructure. 

These temporary power shutoffs are determined by utility providers based on weather conditions and public safety considerations. Residents are encouraged to contact their utility provider for the latest information on the anticipated timing, location, and duration of any potential power shutoffs. Individuals who rely on electricity-powered medical equipment at home may qualify for their utility provider’s Medical Baseline Program, which can provide advance notifications before a PSPS and help offset additional electricity costs associated with medical equipment.

California’s investments in wildfire readiness

Since 2019, California has significantly expanded its firefighting capacity through investments in personnel, equipment, technology, and training to better protect communities from increasingly severe wildfires and extreme weather events.

Under the Newsom administration, California’s fire protection budget has nearly doubled, from $2 billion to $3.8 billion, with more than $2.5 billion invested in wildfire resilience and forest health projects.

California’s prepositioning program is a critical component of these efforts, enabling state and local fire agencies to rapidly deploy additional resources during periods of heightened wildfire risk.

Californians urged to prepare for dangerous winds and wildfire conditions

With strong winds and elevated wildfire risk expected across Southern California, residents are encouraged to take precautions now to protect themselves, their families, and their communities.

• Prepare for wildfires: Review evacuation routes, develop a wildfire action plan, and pack a go-bag with essential supplies.

• Stay informed: Sign up for local emergency alerts and follow instructions from local emergency management and public safety officials.

• Prevent new fires: Avoid outdoor activities that could create sparks, including using equipment that may ignite dry vegetation.

• Prepare for high winds: Secure outdoor furniture and loose objects, and stay away from downed trees and power lines.

• Plan for potential power outages: Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) decisions are made by utility providers. Residents should contact their utility provider for the latest information on the anticipated timing and duration of potential shutoffs.

For additional emergency preparedness information and resources, visit Ready.ca.gov.