Dwindling inmate hand crews could hurt firefighting efforts, agencies say

North Monterey County firefighters saved five homes after a brush fire started in Prunedale during what could be the start of a busy season. As departments gear up for an expected dangerous spring and summer, fire crews are also dealing with fewer resources.

Crews quickly contained the fire Monday, with fewer resources than usual. NewsChannel 5 asked the chief how they’re preparing for fire season and whether Proposition 47 will have an impact.

Proposition 47 passed in November, allowing low level offenders to apply for early release. That could mean fewer inmates for fire crews and less help.

When resident Chris Will got a call that the hill behind his house was on fire, he rushed home from work.

“Thank God we have insurance (laughs). But no, I knew we’d be OK. I really was, living in North County, we know the quick response of these guys,” Will said.

Firefighters contained the brush fire off Highway 156 in Prunedale in about two hours, saving all five nearby homes.

“We were able to that with a minimal amount of staff today,” North Monterey County Fire Chief Chris Orman said.

Orman said a brush fire of that nature would bring in air tankers. But those resources typically don’t start coming in until June and July. Now that California’s dry conditions are causing more brush fires sooner, the department says they’ll increase responses sooner, too.

“I think probably by May 1, if you see smoke, you’re going to see the air attack plane, and tankers coming in and dropping retardant,” Orman said.

They fought the brush fire alongside CalFire, an agency that gets help from inmate crews when the fires really ramp up in the summer.

“We’ll just have to do what we do, but figure out a different way of doing it. You don’t necessarily have all the tools in the toolbox,” Orman said.

Local departments have already faced and overcome water shortages, and Orman said it just drives home the point that everyone needs to be prepared earlier, just like them.

“Keep your 30-foot clearance, keep a garden hose around your house, make sure the leaves, and litter aren’t on your roof and in your gutters,” Orman said.

Orman said crews in his area will go around to neighborhoods and help clear the brush.