Fire Season

From the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection's FAQ

What does it mean when CDF declares fire season open?

CDF declares fire season in California when warm weather and wildland fuel conditions dictate. While fire season is usually declared around the middle of May, the exact date varies from year to year based on weather patterns and fuel conditions. CDF rarely declares the entire state in fire season all at one time. Most often CDF’s 21 administrative units throughout California declare fire season as their units’ conditions dictate. It is usually units in the southern part of the state that declare fire season the earliest as that region is usually warmer and dryer than the rest of the state.

"Fire Season" is a state of heightened readiness. Emergency response dispatch levels are typically increased, facilities are staffed 24 hours a day and additional firefighters are hired. CDF airtankers and air attack planes are moved from their off-season maintenance location in Sacramento to strategic positions around the state. Restrictions and suspensions of burn permits are also likely to take effect during fire season in areas where extreme fire conditions exist. See News Releases for declaration of fire season opening.

What does it mean when CDF "declares" fire season closed?

Fire Season is declared closed on an area-by-area basis when cool weather and precipitation lessen the threat of wildfire. This usually starts to occur towards the end of October, but can be well into January in Southern California units. Staffing levels may be lowered while some remote fire stations close for the winter. Even when fire season is declared closed, CDF remains a year-round, full service emergency response department responding to such incidents as structure fires, medical aids, search and rescue operations, and hazardous material spills. See News Releases for declaration of fire season opening.

-- FloydPerryThistle - 21 Oct 2004
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