SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — October historically spells fire danger for San Diego and Cal Fire is asking everyone to be ready.
The Cedar Fire started Oct. 25, 2003, and burned 280,278 acres. The Witch Creek-Guejito and Harris Fires started Oct. 21, 2007, and burned 288,430 acres. People lost their lives in both fires.
Cal Fire Captain Issac Sanchez said it's extremely important San Diegans are prepared to evacuate at a moment's notice.
"Be ready to evacuate, have your defensible clearance space done. Not only do it, but do it responsibly. Do it first thing in the morning when temperatures are low and humidity levels are relatively high," Sanchez said.
The weather contributes to a dangerous cocktail, increasing October's potency.
"You have that combination of fuel and weather really giving a one-two punch to us pretty consistently," Sanchez said.
The Valley Fire in September reminded San Diegans of how quickly a spark can grow out of control and how fast evacuations can happen.
Next week's weather doesn't look good, according to Sanchez.
"It's going to be warm, it's going to be dry and there's going to be some sort of wind blowing from the east," says Sanchez. "That's the kind of combination that gets folks nervous around here."
The good news is firefighters are coming home from working in northern California and will be standing by, in addition to Marines and Sailors.
"A strike team of Type 6 Fire Engines is just getting back to San Diego from the Creek Fire in Fresno," Sanchez said. "It's a resource that we have used in the past. It's one that we have in our back pocket and will not hesitate to use in the future should the need arise."
Visit Readyforwildfire.orgfor tips on how to prepare you and your family, and ReadySanDiego.orgto register for evacuation alerts.
