Paying Attention to Fire Risk

Editor,

The latest dump fire got us upset. It should not have happened, right?

Reflecting back, yes it was preventable. But, humidity on January 22, in the middle of winter, hit 6% around 11 AM. (See below) The winds were 20-30mph. We should have been paying attention. A fire was predictable.

In this case it was a re-ignition of the Burn Pile. In those weather conditions however, a fire could have been easily started anywhere by a dragging trailer chain, tossed cigarette, piece of glass in dry brush, lawn mower spark, tree branch on a power line, vehicle accident, target practice ricochet, chain saw, escaped camp fire, or slash burning on a dry, windy Permissible Burn Day.

The point is when humidity is low and winds are up, we should be paying attention.

Everyone in Sierra City should consider paying attention to local humidity and wind. This is a good start: https://cefa.dri.edu/HourlyFD/NFDRSv4/animate/

Rich Esposto

Sierra City