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From the CAL FIRE Information Center, I'm Daniel Berlant with the Fire Situation Report
for Monday, August 9, 2010.
Across California, fire activity has been relatively light this past week. Over the
weekend, the Sierra saw hundreds of lightning strikes, but unlike the storm from a few weeks
ago that resulted in about two hundred fires, this round of storms brought with it a significant
amount of precipitation. As we take a look now at our state-wide fire map, there are
currently 4 major fires burning in the state. Firefighters on all 4 expect full containment
in the next couple days.
Over the past week California has seen mild temperatures for this time of year. In fact,
just this weekend, temperatures in some areas were 10-15 degrees below average. And as a
low pressure sits just north of California, we can expect continued cooler temperatures.
On Tuesday, the northeast area of the state going to see some gusty westerly winds, which
will heighten the fire danger for that area. But for the rest of the state we’re going
to see our large fire potential driven by dry vegetation rather than critical fire weather.
Taking a look at our weather headlines, expect cooler temperatures this week across the state.
Gusty winds on Tuesday in northeast California. In Southern California, breezy afternoons
are likely in the Antelope Valley and Mojave Desert. And a deep Marine Layer will continue
to sit over the coastal areas and even inland in some parts of the state.
Now last week there were a number of small vegetation fires that firefighters were able
to quickly contain. Many of those fires were caused by unsafe equipment use. All it takes
is a simple strike on a rock from a metal blade of a lawnmower or weedeater, and a new
fire can start. If you are going to use powered equipment around dead grass and brush, remember,
do it before 10 a.m. and never on a dry or windy day.
That's the latest on the fires in California. I'm Daniel Berlant. Thanks for watching.