Cal Fire Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit announces close of fire season

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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Effective Monday, Nov. 7, at 8 a.m., the Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection will transition into the department’s winter preparedness mode.


The onset of cooler, wetter weather allows Cal Fire to reduce staffing through release of seasonal employees, the closure of select facilities and release of fixed wing aircraft.


However, Cal Fire is prepared to increase staffing and provide statewide response if weather or fire activity dictate.


The requirement for Cal Fire burn permits also expires with the end of fire season.


Property owners interested in conducting control burns should check with their local fire agency and air pollution district to ensure they meet all fire and air pollution permit requirements, prior to burning.


The Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit responded to over 383 wildland fires within the six counties during the peak season. The vast majority of these fires were less than 10 acres, due to aggressive initial attack by Cal Fire and local fire agencies.


Residents creating and maintaining 100 feet of defensible space around their homes had a major role in keeping these fires small, reducing the threat to life and property.


“The department’s successes this year can be contributed to a number of factors: the support from property owners creating and maintaining a defensible space around structures, cooler summer temperatures, and the public’s heightened awareness regarding fire prevention,” said Unit Chief Tim Streblow.


Cal Fire is a full service fire department and will continue to provide response to local emergencies such as fires, traffic collisions, medical calls and hazmat incidents through local agreements, as well as statewide or regional emergencies such as floods or earthquakes.


The unit includes the State Responsibility Areas within six counties, Sonoma, Lake, Napa, Yolo, Solano and Colusa.


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