Governor Gavin Newsom has directed the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) to predeploy five fire engines to Trinity County as forecasts indicate high temperatures, low humidity, and dry lightning. This move follows last week’s predeployment of resources in response to elevated heat and critical fire weather across California.
In total, Cal OES has approved the deployment of 78 fire engines, 20 water tenders, nine bulldozers, five helicopters, 10 hand crews, 16 dispatchers, and two Incident Management Teams to twelve counties: Inyo, Kern, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, San Diego, Santa Barbara, Ventura, Sierra, Nevada, Plumas, Placer, Calaveras, and Trinity. Local fire agencies assess their needs based on community conditions and request additional support from the state. Staging locations and assignments are coordinated by local officials.
According to the release: “These efforts ensure that resources are ready to respond quickly, minimizing the potential impact of new fires. This proactive approach has proven to be a critical component of California’s wildfire response strategy, reducing response times and containing fires before they escalate into major incidents.” The state’s preposition program operates alongside California’s Fire and Rescue Mutual Aid System for broader emergency support.
With much of California under an extreme heat forecast this week, the state entered Phase 2 of its extreme temperature response plan on Wednesday. This step increases coordination between state and local agencies in preparation for severe heat. The State Operations Center at Cal OES is currently on enhanced watch for both heat- and fire-related emergencies. Cooling centers have also been opened throughout communities statewide.
Residents are advised to remain alert during this period of heightened risk. They are encouraged to prepare wildfire action plans with evacuation routes and essential supplies packed in go-bags; sign up for local emergency alerts; consult https://CalHeatScore.CalEPA.ca.gov for area-specific heat safety information; and visit https://ready.ca.gov/ for general preparedness guidance.
