Wildland fire hazard remains

Although many other parts of the nation are suffering through winter conditions, Southern California has summer-like weather and the wildland fire hazard remains.

The National Weather Service has declared a Red Flag Warning in Ventura and Los Angeles counties due to northeast winds gusting to 55 mph, humidity dropping between 5 and 15 percent and temperatures that could be reaching into the 80s.

Due to these unseasonable weather conditions, the Ventura County Fire Department went into a Plan II Brush status for Jan. 9. Staffing levels on fire engines at nine of the stations in wildland areas have been increased to four people for the day.

A task force of three wildland engines and a water tender has been staffed and available to respond throughout Ventura County. Both of the hand crews are on duty, one in Camarillo and the other in Ojai. Two bulldozers are staffed and deployed in Fillmore and Simi Valley.

Additional m a n a g e m e n t and support function positions have also been designated. The Ventura County Fire Department will continue to make operational and staffing adjustments based on resource demands and hazardous conditions.

The public is reminded that wildland fires can occur at any time of the year in Southern California. At this time of the year, most native vegetation (brush and grasses) is dead. Because of the weather conditions, that presents a serious fire hazard. Everyone is urged to be careful with fire or any ignition source. Maintaining the hazard reduction clearance around property will make it safer.