State pre-deploys fire resources to LA County ahead of heat wave

LOS ANGELES (CNS) -- As the Southland braces for a dangerous heat wave Wednesday through Saturday, the Governor's Office of Emergency Management has pre-deployed an array of firefighting resources to Los Angeles County to contend with heightened wildfire danger.

The announcement came Tuesday, with California's new CalHeatScore tool showing much of the state reaching high and severe levels of extreme heat later this week.

Temperatures are expected to range from the upper 90s at the coast to well over 100 inland as high pressure moves in from the east, creating "a high risk for heat illness and fire danger,'' the National Weather Service said.

"Now is the time to check the forecasts for your area and prepare for higher temperatures and dangerous fire weather,'' Gov. Gavin Newsom's office said in a statement.

"While the best thing we can all do is prepare now, the state is also pre-deploying resources to protect communities from catastrophic wildfire.''

According to Newsom's office, 10 fire engines, two water tenders, two bulldozers, one helicopter, two hand crews, three dispatchers and one incident management team have been pre-deployed in L.A. County.

"These efforts ensure that resources are ready to respond quickly, minimizing the potential impact of new fires,'' Newsom's statement said. "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.''

Cal OES Director Nancy Ward said the state is intent on getting ahead of the heat wave.

"By pre-positioning firefighting crews, equipment and other resources in high-risk areas, we can respond faster and more effectively when needed,'' she said. "This strategy is about protecting lives, property and communities by ensuring help is ready when it's needed most.''

Cal Fire is also ready to respond to any incident that arises.

"Cal Fire remains fully staffed and prepared across the state as we anticipate increased temperatures,'' said Cal Fire Chief Joe Tyler.

The city of Los Angeles is taking preemptive steps as well -- including the Los Angeles Fire Department adding Crew 4, a team made up of 26 specially trained personnel who will respond to wildfires within and around the city, officials said.

"The Mayor's Office of Public Safety, Emergency Management Department, LAFD, LAPD, Recreation and Parks, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and other city departments (are taking steps) to ensure all are ready to respond as needed,'' Mayor Karen Bass' office said.

Southland residents are urged to prepare a wildfire action plan, including evacuation routes and pre-packed "go-bags'' with essentials. They're also advised to sign up for local emergency alerts.

Area-specific heat safety information can be found at CalHeatScore.CalEPA.ca.gov. More information is also available at Ready.ca.gov.

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