Dry Weather Not Helping Cal Fire, Crews Respond to Multiple Vegetation Fires

Cal Fire crews are still fully staffed even though fire season is over. On average, San Benito and Monterey Counties experience less than 7 vegetation fires in November and December. 2013 has seen 14 vegetation fires so far in the Cal Fire jurisdiction.

In the last three days, Cal Fire has contained at least 3 vegetation fires.

On Dec. 29th there were two fires. A 3-acre fire near Coalinga-Hernandez Road and Clear Creek Road in San Benito County. The other one was on Jolon Road near King City.

Tuesday, crews contained a 1-acre fire near Hidden Hills in Monterey County. That fire was started by a property owner who was chopping up a metal trailer in a grinder. The sparks from the grinder caused the fire, said Cal Fire.

The property owner was cited and fined for starting the fire, said Cal Fire.

For additional tips on being prepared for wildfires, please visit http://www.ReadyForWildfire.org and practice “Ready, Set, Go”. For fact sheets, please visit http://calfire.ca.gov/communications/communications_factsheets.php.