Citing unseasonably dry weather conditions, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection is urging the public to be particularly cautious about activities that could spark fires.
The year's first snow survey, conducted Tuesday by the state Department of Water Resources, indicated that statewide water content is at 19 percent of normal, setting the course for one of the driest winters on record, according to a Cal Fire news release.
Although many areas of the state are experiencing cooler temperatures, the drier than normal conditions, coupled with wind and low humidity, frequently increased the fire danger over the past month, officials said, with Cal Fire crews responding to more wildfires than they typically do in December.
"Fire activity in Northern California during winter is very rare, where snow-covered mountains and rain-soaked hillsides typically keep the fire danger relatively low," said Chief Ken Pimlott, Cal Fire director, in a written statement.
He said rainfall amounts over the next couple of months will be an indicator of the type of fire activity to expect in spring and summer.
In response to the above-normal fire activity, Cal Fire has increased staffing using its 4,700 permanent employees assisted by inmate fire crews, officials said.
In many areas, the agency has canceled burn days or banned debris burning.
For fire safety tips, see the websites at www.ReadyForWildfire.org or www.fire.ca.gov.
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