PREPARES FIRST
San Bernardino County Fire Department
Ocotober 2019 ___ In anticipation of the forecasted Red
Flag Warning, San Bernardino County Fire has added additional units to augment
its on-duty firefighting force.
A Type 1 Strike Team will pre-position to Devore and
will be based out of #SBCoFD fire camp. Comprised of five fire
engines and a chief officer, Type 1 teams specialize in structure defense yet
are also capable of wildland fire attack. One of the most wind-prone
communities, the Devore location also places this team in an ideal position to
rapidly respond to fires that occur in the areas affected by the Red Flag
Warning.
An additional hand crew, San Bernardino County Fire Crew 6-1 (also known as Old Cajon Crew)
will augment the hand crews already on duty. A Type 2/IA Crew, Old Cajon has been instrumental as a force
multiplier to countless emergency responses in the county as well as the
region. County Fire’s heavy equipment crews will continue their 24/7 staffing
until weather conditions warrant, typically the first wetting rains/snow of the
season.
This additional staffing commenced Wednesday, October 9th
at 6:00 P.M. and is expected to continue through Friday morning or until the
threat subsides.
Pre-Positioning of resources is made possible through the
California Office of Emergency Services which
finances the staffing and movement of additional fire apparatus and personnel
to affect rapid responses when there is an increased risk of wild fires.
Wednesday, the National Weather Service
issued a Red Flag Warning based on
expected high winds coupled warm temperatures and low relative humidity, a
combination that can lead to explosive fire growth. East to northeast winds are
forecast to begin late tonight in the mountains and valleys. Speeds
are expected to be 20-30 mph with gusts to 50 mph. Isolated gusts
below the Cajon Pass could reach 70 mph. Relative humidities were
predicted to be in the single digits. (Wednesday’s forecast was near true to
the weather experienced Thursday to Friday).
A ban on outdoor
burning
remains in effect throughout the San
Bernardino County Fire Protection District. Please exercise
caution when engaging in outdoor activities including the use of power tools or
any devices that may produce sparks .
In San Bernardino County 
Remember, the first step in fire protection is prevention.
Have an evacuation plan in place both at home and at work.
Practice them regularly.
For more information on how you can prepare for wildfires.
Visit: www.sbcfire.org
For information on incidents, follow Twitter feed: @SBCOUNTYFIRE