This first day of Fall is September 22nd. Though fire season is year-round, and we certainly are seeing large complex wildfires, Fall typically brings triple-digit temperatures, low humidity and gusty winds bringing the peak of fire danger and red flag warnings. Educating your community of what dangers are associated with Fall is important. Once they understand, hopefully will inspire them to ensuring their property is protected and they are prepared for what is to come.
What is a Santa Ana?
According to the California-Nevada Climate Applications Program (CNAP), the Santa Ana is a “dry, sometimes hot and dusty wind in southwestern California that blows westward through the canyons toward the coastal areas.” Santa Ana winds can occur during fall, winter, and spring, but they tend to peak during October through December.
As firefighters, we dread the Santa Ana’s, and no – not just because they can irritate our allergies or bring on dry skin. The winds don’t cause wildfires; people, accidents, vehicles, and disasters both natural and man-made do. Many times, intentional!
The Santa Ana’s have a particularly devastating history of fanning the flames, creating some of the largest and most destructive fire events in Southern California. In fact, they are sometimes known as the “devil winds.”
It’s not just a Southern California problem. Diablos and Sundowners occur in Central and Northern California. When large wildfires strike, many resources and personnel are called on throughout California and even out of state to help. California has one of the most efficient mutual aid systems in the country. When multiple fires occur, it stretches our resources.
Regardless of where you live, wildfires impact everyone. Resources are dispatched from every city/county in the state. Resources get stretched thin. Air quality is affected, highways get closed, school classes get cancelled, utilities are interrupted, and it cost taxpayers millions of dollars to fight these fires.
Here are some tools to help you prepare: https://www.sce.com/outage-center/preparing-for-outages and a map where power outages may be occurring: https://poweroutage.us/area/state/california
Are you prepared? Visit http://www.readyforwildfire.org/Prepare-For-Wildfire/
For a comprehensive in-depth look at Santa Anas visit: binged.it/4enx52n
Editor’s note: California State Firefighters Association is honored to help your agency with Community Risk Reduction articles for you to use for your agency’s social media, press releases to local media, cable tv, or presentations to community organizations etc. These articles are intended to reduce fires, accidents, and injuries by sharing these within your community. This week’s article is designated for Wildfire Preparedness Day which is May 4th . This article and its content can be used at your discretion at any time you feel is appropriate for your community. Do you need other resources for Community Risk Reduction or do you have questions on how to best use these resources? Feel free to contact [email protected]
Sam DiGiovanna is a 40-year fire service veteran. He started with the Los Angeles County Fire Department, served as Fire Chief at the Monrovia Fire Department, and currently serves as Chief at the Verdugo Fire Academy in Glendale and Associate Director for the Calif Training Officers Assoc. He also is a consultant for Lexipol www.Lexipol.com