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California fire chief: Prepare now for height of fire season delayed by record precipitation

May 2, 2023

Record-setting snow and rain have left vegetation flush with moisture, prompting the state’s fire chief to predict that wildfires will not break out with regularity this year until the middle of June, about 45 days later than normal.

But Cal Fire Director Joe Tyler said at the Prado Helitack Base in Chino during his statewide media tour on Monday, May 1, that now is the time for residents to prepare for the inevitable.

“While this winter has brought historic snowfall and historic rain and these hills are green, they will dry out. And we must remain vigilant in our efforts to reduce wildfires. And we must not let our guard down,” Tyler said.

San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus speaks during a news conference on wildfire preparedness at Cal Fire Prado Helitack Base in Chino on Monday, May 1, 2023. (Photo by Watchara Phomicinda, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)

Fire officials from Cal Fire stand alongside a fire helicopter and engines during a news conference on wildfire preparedness at Cal Fire Prado Helitack Base in Chino on Monday, May 1, 2023. (Photo by Watchara Phomicinda, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)

Deputy Secretary for Forest and Wildland Resilience Jessica Morse speaks at a news conference on wildfire preparedness at Cal Fire Prado Helitack Base in Chino on Monday, May 1, 2023. (Photo by Watchara Phomicinda, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)

Cal Fire Director Joe Tyler speaks at a news conference about wildfire preparedness at Cal Fire Prado Helitack Base in Chino on Monday, May 1, 2023. (Photo by Watchara Phomicinda, The Press-Enterprise/SCNG)

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Tyler was joined by representatives of the San Bernardino County fire and sheriff’s departments, state Office of Emergency Services and U.S. Forest Service, among other agencies.

After some prodding, Tyler gave California residents a grade of B for their preparedness. He said their efforts will help determine the severity of the 2023 year-round fire “season.”

“That is all depending on the proactive steps homeowners take to be able to reduce those light flashy fuels. Some of the grass in some areas of the state is taller than me right now,” said Tyler, who lists himself as 5-foot-10 when he’s not in his firefighter boots. “Once the grass (dies), that light flashing fuel is going to be an easy target for embers.”.

Already, some of the lush landscaping on the distant hills is changing color.

“These hills will turn brown, and they will burn,” county Fire Chief Dan Munsey said. “Make sure you are prepared.”

Statewide, Cal Fire has responded to 640 brush fires this year and 135 alone last week, including the Nob fire near Lytle Creek that has burned 227 acres and was 73% contained Monday. Those figures do not include fires on federal lands.

Officials provided these tips for protecting people and property against wildfires:

• Fill a “go bag” that can be placed near your door that contains a flashlight, radio, batteries, medicine, spare shoes, warm clothing, pet food and face masks, among other items that you might need for a couple of days.

• Create a defensible space around your property of at least 100 feet. This includes removing anything that could help flames jump from brush to your home.

• Install landscaping that is resistant to fire.

• Don’t park in grass that is sure to be overgrown in many areas following the winter rains.

• Be careful not to cause a spark by mowing fields that have rocks or dragging a tow chain on the pavement behind your car.

• Create and practice an evacuation plan.

• Sign up with your local public safety agencies.

• When you see smoke, monitor social media or your local news media for official information.

• Evacuate when told to do so. San Bernardino County sheriff’s deputies will blare a “high-low” siren from their patrol cars this summer to warn residents that the fire threat to their homes is imminent. “It is time to leave,” Sheriff Shannon Dicus said.

• Look for other ideas at Readyforwildfire.org

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California fire chief: Prepare now for height of fire season delayed by record precipitation

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