CAL FIRE Mendocino unit begins fire season

According to a Cal Fire News Release, dated June 17, 2011:
CAL FIRE Mendocino Unit will transition to Fire Season beginning June 20, 2011.  “Fire Season”, for CAL FIRE is simply a state of readiness. Various management decisions are made in response to local and statewide conditions, such as the hiring of seasonal firefighters, staffing facilities 24 hours per day, increasing emergency dispatch levels or suspending burn permits.  All 10 Mendocino Unit Fire Stations will be open and staffed ready for response to all risk emergencies beginning June 17, 2011.  The Ukiah Airbase is scheduled to open July 1, 2011. Personnel are currently available in stations several days a week to issue burn permits and assist the public with fire prevention or safety information.  Please call ahead to be sure personnel are in quarters prior to arrival.

CAL FIRE Mendocino Unit Chief Christopher P. Rowney cautions that despite a wet winter and late spring rains the threat of large damaging wildfires exists in California every year.  “With the late rains creating a significant grass crop there is a strong potential for faster and hotter burning fires.  We realize there will be fires; it’s the environment we live in and being prepared for wildfire is the key.  Wildfire preparedness begins with maintaining the required 100-foot defensible space around homes and out buildings.  Power equipment should be used early in the day to avoid accidentally causing a fire from sparks or faulty equipment”.  This hazardous grass crop is quickly dying off as summer weather temperatures increase becoming hotter and drier.  The county wide BURNING SUSPENSION is anticipated to begin July 1, 2011, depending on weather and fire conditions.  Remove these grasses and other fire hazards including

For more tips on living safely in California Wildland, contact your local CAL FIRE station.
Helpful websites can be found at:  www.fire.ca.gov and www.ReadyForWildfire.org