CAL FIRE San Benito-Monterey Unit Transitions Out of Peak Fire Season

Recent rains and cooler temperatures across the region have lowered the threat of wildfires allowing CAL FIRE’s San Benito-Monterey Unit to transition out of peak fire season effective Monday, December 17, 2018 at 8:00 a.m. in San Benito and Monterey Counties. “2018 brought yet another record-setting peak wildfire season. The devastation seen by communities, such as Paradise and Malibu, underscore the need for everyone to be prepared,” said David Fulcher, CAL FIRE San Benito-Monterey Unit Chief. “Creating and maintaining a minimum of 100 feet of defensible space is just the start. Please also ensure that you and your family are ready with an evacuation plan and a kit of emergency supplies.” CAL FIRE will continue to maintain staffing to meet any potential threat, as well as maintaining the ability to strategically move resources to areas that remain at a higher threat level. CAL FIRE will also continue to monitor weather conditions closely and will maintain the ability to increase staffing should weather conditions change or if there is a need to support wildfires or other emergencies in other areas of the State. The 2018 fire season has been an extremely active year, even more so than in 2017. This year we have seen the deadliest, the most destructive, and the largest wildfires in California’s recorded history. Statewide, CAL FIRE and firefighters from many local agencies responded to over 6,228 wildfires within the State Responsibility Area that burned over 876,225 acres. In the San Benito- Monterey Unit, CAL FIRE responded to 116 wildfires that charred 6,519 acres. During the cooler winter months, CAL FIRE will continue to actively focus efforts on fire prevention and fuels treatment activities as guided by the State’s Strategic Fire Plan and BEU Fire Plan. These will be done through public education, prescribed burns, and various types of fuel reduction. These activities are aimed at reducing the impacts of large, damaging wildfires and improving overall forest health. For more ways to burn safely visit www.ReadyForWildfire.org.