What does it mean when CAL FIRE opens/closes fire season – changes preparedness levels?
The declaration of fire season in California is actually a change in preparedness levels for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. CAL FIRE is year-round fire and emergency response Department. When weather patterns in an area of the state become warm and dry, and vegetation (fuels) are at a low moisture content point, Emergency response dispatch levels are typically increased, facilities are staffed 24 hours a day and additional firefighters are hired. CAL FIRE airtankers and air attack planes are deployed from their maintenance location in Sacramento to strategic positions around the state. Restrictions and suspensions of burn permits are also likely to take effect during fire season in areas where extreme fire conditions exist. When cooling weather, rain and snow are sufficient to reduce the fire threat, CAL FIRE then reduces its preparedness levels by releasing additional firefighters, closing some stations, and repositioning aircraft. Preparedness levels can c
