By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna
This first day of Fall is September 22nd. Though fire season is year-round, and we certainly are seeing large complex wildfires, Fall typically brings triple-digit temperatures, low humidity and gusty winds bringing the peak of fire danger and red flag warnings. “Deadly and destructive Santa Ana winds develop this time of year reminds Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna.”
What is a Santa Ana?
According to the California-Nevada Climate Applications Program (CNAP), the Santa Ana is a “dry, sometimes hot and dusty wind in southwestern California that blows westward through the canyons toward the coastal areas.” Santa Ana winds can occur during fall, winter, and spring, but they tend to peak during October through December.
As firefighters, we dread the Santa Ana’s, and no – not just because they can irritate our allergies or bring on dry skin. The winds don’t cause wildfires; people, accidents, vehicles, and disasters both natural and man-made do. Many times, intentional!
The Santa Ana’s have a particularly devastating history of fanning the flames, creating some of the largest and most destructive fire events in Southern California. In fact, they are sometimes known as the “devil winds” says Chief DiGiovanna.
It’s not just a Southern California problem. Diablos and Sundowners occur in Central and Northern California. When large wildfires strike, many resources and personnel are called on throughout California and even out of state to help. California has one of the most efficient mutual aid systems in the country. When multiple fires occur, it stretches our resources.
Regardless of where you live, wildfires impact everyone. Resources are dispatched from every city/county in the state. Resources get stretched thin. Air quality is affected, highways get closed, school classes get cancelled, utilities are interrupted, and it cost taxpayers millions of dollars to fight these fires.
Here are some tools to help you prepare: https://www.sce.com/outage-center/preparing-for-outages and a map where power outages may be occurring: https://poweroutage.us/area/state/california
Are you prepared? Visit http://www.readyforwildfire.org/Prepare-For-Wildfire/
For a comprehensive in-depth look at Santa Anas visit: binged.it/4enx52n
