The Los Angeles Post

California Mobilizes Firefighting Resources Ahead of Red Flag Weather

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SACRAMENTO – As much of the Northern Sacramento Valley faces its first red flag warning of the year forecasting critical fire weather conditions, Governor Gavin Newsom announced the state has mobilized firefighting resources and equipment to communities most at risk.

What Governor Newsom said: “While wildfire season is year-round in California, we’re heading into some of the most challenging months for fire weather – and we’re better equipped than ever before. We’ve sent additional equipment and firefighters to where the latest weather and prediction technology shows the greatest wildfire risk, and are using some of the most advanced tools in the world to detect and monitor new wildfires.”

In addition to the prepositioned resources, California is leveraging technologies like AI to fight fires faster and smarter, saving countless lives and communities from destruction.

As reported by the Los Angeles Times, CAL FIRE recently launched a pilot program that uses AI to monitor live camera feeds and issues alerts if anomalies are detected. Already, the program has successfully alerted CAL FIRE to 77 fires before any 911 calls were made.

Governor Newsom and the Legislature have made record investments in recent years in forest wildfire resiliency totaling $2.8 billion.

How You Can Prevent Wildfires & Stay Safe from Smoke

  • Vehicle Safety: prevent sparks from your vehicle by securing chains, removing dragging parts and checking tire pressure

  • Ready, Set Go! (tips from ReadyforWildfire.org)

    • Be Ready: Create and maintain defensible space and harden your home against flying embers.

    • Get Set: Prepare your family and home ahead of time for the possibility of having to evacuate. Ensure you have a plan of what to take and where to go. Ask friends or relatives outside your area if you would be able to stay with them, should the need arise.

    • Be Ready to GO!: When wildfire strikes, go early for your safety. Take the evacuation steps necessary to give your family and home the best chance of surviving a wildfire.

  • Smoke Safety (tips from Smoke Ready California):

    • Download California’s Smoke Spotter App (available in both English and Spanish)

    • Check your local AQI and listen to local officials

    • Avoid breathing smoke and stay indoors when possible

    • Use N95 masks

    • Install air filters