Fire agency warns of high winds, low humidity this week

The Orange County Fire Authority is gearing up for a high-velocity Santa Ana wind event expected to mirror the conditions that occurred during the devastating Santiago fire of several weeks ago.

Weather experts are predicting high winds and single digit relative humidity in Orange County, but temperatures will be cooler than during that Santa Ana event.

Extra engines and air support will be at the ready, according to the fire authority.

Residents are urged to be cautious regarding outdoor barbecues and to be watchful for fires in the wilderness. The Santiago blaze was believed to be started by an arsonist, heightening concerns for this week’s fire danger.

The National Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather outlook for the entire Southern California region, starting Monday with heavy fog conditions and moving late Tuesday night to extreme low humidity and high winds of up to 60 mph at the peak, conditions which are expected to last through Saturday.

“Except for expected slightly cooler temperatures, we can have conditions similar to what we had during the Santiago Fire. This is a recipe for extreme fire behavior,” said Orange County Fire Authority Battalion Chief Kris Concepcion.

“The Orange County Fire Authority is preparing for this wind event by staffing 10 additional fire engines. In addition, two helicopters, two hand crews, and two dozers will be staffed and ready for immediate response.”

Cal Fire, the state fire agency, is staging five additional engines in Orange County, according to the fire authority.

Cal Fire is also staging 100 fire engines and 10 water tenders in Riverside County for immediate response. Furthermore, Cal Fire will have 28 fixed-wing aircraft available for response. This is 13 aircraft more than normal for this time of year. The U.S. Forest Service will have 14 heli-tankers available for the Southern California region.

“We are taking this predicted wind event very seriously and ensuring that we are well prepared,” Concepcion said.

“We are asking for the public’s help in limiting fire risks by not having outdoor fires, providing adequate brush clearance around structures, and by remaining hyper-vigilant in watching for and reporting any suspicious activities. Remember, the arsonist that started the Santiago Fire is still out there somewhere,” he added.