High fire risk zones in south Monterey County get ready for the heat
BRADLEY, Calif. (KION-TV) -- Communities in South Monterey County are getting ready for hotter temperatures. Cal Fire is stating they have been preparing for potential dangers by strategically placing equipment and personnel along their coverage zone.
Some people like Anthony Arreola, who lives in Soledad, say they are used to the heat. “I don't really check the weather, but if I did check the weather, I would go to the beach.”
Others like Graciela Villegas opting for caution during these hot time, “tener precaución cuando pones una fogata esté apagada.”
Graciela added that during this time, it is important to make sure you completely put out bonfires and that you check your trash, as small broken glass pieces can potentially intensify sun rays in these hot days.
“As we approach this heatwave, let's not forget that the whole state of California is always in this yearly pattern of forest fires,” said Luis Perez with Cal Fire. “That being said, it's good to follow our fire hazards severity zones.”
With the risk being high in most of southern Monterey County, Perez states that the fires that have taken place in the San Luis Obispo area and further south are a warning for our area's potential risk.
The weather in Bradley is expected to reach the low hundreds in the next few days. something Cal Fire says they are preparing for, especially with a red flag warning in place.
“We prepare every year to be the worst. We did not expect this year to start how it did. That was a big eye-opener for everybody. A lot of communities have been reaching out to us. They wanna be involved,” said Perez.
He adds that each year, Cal Fire conducts nearly 10 hundred home inspections in both counties on a three-year rotation. His goal, to educate and inform the community so they can be better prepared for an emergency.
Cal Fire says a new law would potentially change building codes, adding a zone zero, which would prohibit any flammable material from zero to five feet from your home.
