SAN DIEGO —
San Diego Fire-Rescue isn't taking any chances with Santa Ana winds on Thursday.
Firefighters are doubling up on man power to staff a strike team. Essentially, this team will remain in San Diego around the clock and be ready to respond if a wildfire breaks out. This strike team will be ready to go both on the ground and from the air.
"For us, we want to be on it as quick as possible," said Shift Commander Dan Eddy from SDFD.
Additionally, firefighters will be on overtime to help staff five brush engines. These engines are able to go off road as opposed to the ones we normally see in urban metro areas.
Two firefighting helicopters will be available as well.
"Think of it this way," said Eddy. "With a 40 mph wind behind it, we're going to have 35-foot flame length."
Wildfires can spark at any time and almost anywhere, and even the smallest of sparks can multiply quickly in these conditions. If you see something concerning, firefighters say don’t assume someone else has called it in. Contact the nearest fire department right away.