CAL FIRE Nevada-Yuba-Placer Unit Officials Declare End to 2008 Fire Season

Published on Nov 5, 2008 - 6:54:31 AM

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By: Chelsea Fox, CAL FIRE

Auburn, Nov. 5, 2008 - Recent precipitation and cooler weather in Northern California have allowed CAL FIRE, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, to declare an end to the 2008 fire season in the Nevada-Yuba-Placer Unit effective Tuesday, November 4 at 5 p.m. CAL FIRE personnel, equipment and facilities within these three counties will transition into winter preparedness during the next several weeks.

The transition to winter staffing levels allows CAL FIRE to release seasonal firefighters and close some remote wildland fire stations. CAL FIRE remains a year-round full service fire department in many communities in California; responding to a variety of emergencies including structure fires, medical aids, and traffic accidents.

"During the 2008 fire season our firefighters responded to thousands of emergencies in Nevada, Yuba and Placer counties, and also supported major firefighting efforts throughout the state," said CAL FIRE Nevada-Yuba-Placer Unit Chief Brad Harris. "Though the threat of devastating wildfires has lessened considerably, we remain concerned with the increasing fire dangers within the home."

Home fires often occur during the cold winter months due to dangerous heating equipment or unsafe practices. Below are some important safety tips to help keep your home safe and warm this winter:

* Never use flammable liquids or excessive amounts of paper to start or accelerate a fire.

* Charcoal gives off lethal amounts of carbon monoxide. Do not burn it indoors.

* Keep flammables away from heat sources.

* The use of kerosene heaters inside the home is prohibited in California.

* Never leave a fire unattended.

* Keep children away from heat sources.

For more fire safety tips visit the CAL FIRE Web site at www.fire.ca.gov.

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