Cal Fire officials say there is a greater risk for major wildfires this year than last year despite the drought being over and having received lots of rain this past winter. They say the wildfire season has arrived earlier and there is an increased risk of large fires like the 2,000 acre Gate Fire on May 20-21 south of Jamul.
Cal Fire says grasses and weeds that shot up due to the recent rains are already turning brown, creating abundant fuel for wildfires. Fire and emergency officials are reminding residents to stay on course and maintain their defensible space.
San Diego County has invested more than $400 million in the region’s firefighting resources since 2003, giving us unmatched wildland fire response capabilities. But the region’s readiness depends on residents taking steps to get their homes ready, by thinning out brush, mowing tall grasses, clearing dead and dying trees and vegetation, clearing away leaves from roofs and gutters and removing flammable debris.
(Photo credit 10 News)