Rain doesn’t rid fire concern

Above average rainfall has broken California’s drought, but that doesn’t mean we’re out of fire danger.

As the several fires that sparked yesterday prove, fire danger is year round. That raises concern for people who live in fire prone areas.

But it’s not just residents who were surprised by yesterday’s fires. Fire expert Ryan Walbrun, with the National Weather Service says, “The probability of ignition yesterday was about 10 percent.”

According to Cal Fire, rain and fire danger can be a funny thing. “The rain can be deceiving. With just a little bit of sunlight on these hillsides with the fuels the way they are starting to cure out already, and a little bit of wind- you get the right combination. And you need a little bit of a good start in the right spot and the fire is going to make a small run,” says Fire Chief Gaines.

Despite all the rain that we have had this year, the hills can’t stay green forever. And while it’s not all completely dead, certain spots are definitely starting to dry out. If yesterday’s fire would have happened in any of the dry years, it could have been a much different situation.

While our wet start has a damper on any big fires this year, the rain isn’t all to thank. “Common sense right now would tell us that this fire season is going to be delayed a bit this year, in terms of the big fires. But, as we get later into the summer- July and August. All indication is that we can expect another large or even above average fire season,” says Walbrun.

Memorial Day weekend is right around the corner, so Cal Fire says to play it safe and be fire prepared.