“Our members in Southern California have surmounted incredible challenges,” says IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger. “I am proud of how fast they have responded and their dedication to keeping California safe. Now, we must fight for the additional resources needed to keep our fire fighters safe.”
“Since the Santa Ana winds have died down, fire fighters have been able to better prevent the spread of the fire,” reports Bob Wolf, president of Local 2881. “What is becoming clearer than ever is that there is no longer such thing as a ‘wildfire season.’ The risk of a wildfire breakout is constant. It is crucial that we get more year-round resources so that we can better combat the new reality in our state.”
The fire began on November 24 and spread quickly because of the Santa Ana winds and low humidity. About 15,000 people were evacuated initially, but many have been able to return home.
Fire investigators are already on the scene. Initial findings point to a campfire set by a group near Corral Canyon as a possible cause of the blaze. But investigators will continue to review the situation further before determining an official cause.
This report comes none too soon as only two days earlier, CNN was reporting;
MALIBU, California (CNN) — A “dangerous and dynamic” wildfire in Southern California that left six firefighters hurt and destroyed dozens of homes grew to 4,650 acres Saturday night, officials said.
But firefighters have been able to contain 25 percent of the blaze, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
They got a slight break when dry Santa Ana winds clocked at 57 mph (92 kph) earlier in the day decreased to about 20 mph, CNN meteorologist Jacqui Jeras said.
But the winds, blowing from the west, were unpredictable.
“Until the fire is knocked down, we can’t be sure what the next development will be,” Los Angeles County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky said at a news conference earlier.
About 10,000 people fled their homes in the Malibu area ahead of the flames, which began around 3:30 a.m. PT (6:30 a.m. ET)
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[link- IAFF]
[link- CNN]
