Cal Fire says that just over the past couple of weeks it has responded to more than 150 wildfires state-wide. Those fires have scorched about 600 acres.
Cal Fire’s Daniel Berlant says in normal years the agency would only have been on about 25 calls by now.
"This is a very unusual winter and unfortunately if we don't get rain anytime soon this couldbe a sign of what's to come."
~Daniel Berlant, Cal Fire
The state is hiring about 125 additional firefighters for Northern California. The summer fire season never really ended in Southern California. Fire air stations around the state also have not shut down for the winter.
“Conditions are very similar to what we would see in late spring and early summer. The grass and brush is very dry and it’s easily able to catch on fire.”
~Daniel Berlant, Cal Fire
Fire officials are warning that, just as in past heavy wildfire years, state budget reserves may have to be used to pay for extra staffing and equipment.
January 28, 2022Last year, California saw everything from intense drought to torrential rain. Researchers and water agencies say that the future of the state’s drought depends on adapting to these shifts.
November 11, 2021As the drought dries up California’s wetlands, traveling birds such as ducks, geese and eagles are struggling to survive and breed. “This drought is bad. The odds are against us,” a state expert said.
June 23, 2021Drought resilience depends on location but also extraordinary engineering — determining which California places are running out of water this year and which remain in good shape.
June 17, 2021About 4,300 users were issued notices to halt diversions from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.
June 5, 2021Experts say the current drought is hotter and drier than previous ones, meaning water is evaporating faster.
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