With dangerous fire weather conditions forecast across Southern California, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) has deployed resources to ensure a rapid response to potential wildfires.
High winds, dry vegetation and low humidity create an elevated risk across Los Angeles, Ventura, San Diego, Orange, Santa Barbara and Inyo counties.
The proactive measures include prepositioning 98 fire engines, 14 water tenders, 8 helicopters, 7 bulldozers and multiple specialized personnel to minimize travel times and contain any new fires before they escalate.
These resources complement ongoing efforts by CAL FIRE and local government agencies across the state.
In Los Angeles County, Cal OES has stationed two strike teams, two helicopters and multiple hand crews to be on alert from Jan. 20 through Jan. 22.
Ventura County has additional strike teams, water tenders and helicopters prepositioned, while San Diego County benefits from engine task forces and significant overhead support.
Counties like Orange and Santa Barbara have received similar support, with Orange County deploying three strike teams, water tenders and three helicopters.
Santa Barbara’s preparations include a Type 1 helicopter and additional dispatchers to handle potential emergency communications.
In more remote areas such as Inyo, Kern and Mono counties, local government engines and water tenders have been placed strategically to ensure swift responses in these wildfire-prone regions.
CAL FIRE has mobilized an extensive array of resources statewide to supplement local and regional efforts.
Over 819 personnel, 76 engines, 50 water tenders, 40 helicopters and 30 bulldozers have been deployed, in addition to aerial resources such as air attack and intelligence aircraft.
Cal OES and the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) continue to assess the aftermath of past wildfires through the Household Hazardous Waste Assessment and Removal Dashboard.
DTSC crews are focused on removing hazardous waste, including asbestos, from impacted parcels. Once a parcel is cleared, it is marked as complete on the dashboard, signaling no further action is required.
Cal OES urges residents in high-risk areas to prepare by creating wildfire action plans, identifying evacuation routes and packing emergency go-bags with essential items.
Signing up for local emergency alerts is also recommended to stay informed about changing conditions.
As California continues to face increasingly severe fire seasons, the collaborative efforts of local, state, tribal and federal agencies remain crucial.
In addition to emergency response, long-term recovery efforts, such as hazardous waste cleanup and rebuilding support, play a vital role in helping communities recover.
The ongoing work of Cal OES and its partners reflects a commitment to resilience and preparedness in the face of natural disasters.
For more information on preparing for wildfires and staying safe during emergencies, visit Cal OES’s website.
As the fire season intensifies, Californians are reminded to remain vigilant, prioritize safety and adhere to guidance from emergency officials.
Together, these measures help safeguard lives and communities during critical fire weather conditions.
