Fire officials urge preparedness amid sudden heat spike

(KRON) — Higher temperatures and small brush fires across the Bay Area are sparking greater concerns about increased fire danger. KRON4 News spoke to fire officials who are reminding people to remain vigilant.

”Typically, our fires are human-caused and are typically avoidable,” said Paul Lowenthal with the Santa Rosa Fire Department. Lowenthal said the department is keeping an eye on high heat, especially in the North Bay.

”Especially with the warmer weather here, people are going to be more active, they’re going to be outdoors, they’re going to be trying to get that last camping trip in,” Lowenthal said. “Make sure you’re not dragging a chain that could spark a roadside fire, or if you’re going to go camping maybe think twice about burning.”

Lowenthal said record cold temperatures over recent months may have caught some residents off guard when it comes to creating defensible space around their homes.

“With how much rainfall we had over the winter, it really promoted a lot of growth and not only initial growth but regrowth. So, a lot of the residents that cut their seasonal grasses early in the season have now found themselves needing to cut again,” he said.

To lower wildfire risk overall, Lowenthal said preparation is key and to check that you are still signed up for the most current emergency alerts in your community and that you have your go bag ready.

“Things are definitely changing, and it’s a good time to make sure that you are prepared,” he said.