LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – With recent rains and cooler temperatures across the region lowering the threat of wildfires, Cal Fire's Sonoma Lake Napa Unit this week transitioned to winter preparedness effective in Sonoma, Lake, Napa, Solano, Colusa and Yolo counties.
The operational transition for the last two years also has taken place in November.
Statewide, Cal Fire and firefighters from many local agencies battled more than 5,585 wildfires within the State Responsibility Area that burned nearly 148,000 acres. This is more than 1,170 more wildfires this year than normal.
In the Sonoma Lake Napa Unit Unit, Cal Fire said it responded to 469 wildfires that charred 12,456 acres. That total included the August Clayton fire, which burned 3,929 acres and 300 structures, about 200 of which were homes.
The Cal Fire Mendocino Unit also transitioned into winter operations as of Monday. In that unit, officials reported 136 wildfires charred approximately 248 acres during this fire season.
While the fire season is over, fire officials said drought conditions continue to have a hold on California.
Cal Fire is maintaining staffing to meet the current threat, as well as strategically moving resources to areas that remain at a higher threat level.
The agency also will continue to monitor weather conditions closely and still has the ability to increase staffing should weather conditions change or if there is a need to support wildfires or other emergencies in other areas of the state.
As the region shifts towards a winter weather pattern, Sonoma Lake Napa Unit Chief Shana Jones encourages residents to remain mindful that one spark is all that is required to start a wildland fire. A leading cause of wildfires this time of year is from escaped landscape debris burning.
“Most fires can be prevented,” said Chief Jones.
In the Sonoma Lake Napa Unit, open burning may resume in the State Responsibility Area (SRA) lands governed by the unit. Cal Fire will not require burning permits until approximately May 1, 2017.
Before conducting an open burn, contact your local air quality control district to secure an air quality permit and ensure it is a permissive burn day.
During the cooler winter months, Cal Fire will be focusing efforts on the implementation of fire prevention and fuels treatment activities as guided by the state’s Strategic Fire Plan and localized unit fire plans.
Officials said these activities are aimed at reducing the impacts of large, damaging wildfires and improving overall forest health.
Cal Fire Sonoma Lake Napa Unit transitions to winter operations
- Lake County News reports
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