Fall is often a peak time for wildfires, and prevention and response go hand-in-hand in keeping the danger in check. The Carlsbad Fire Department works hard to protect our community, including through programs that ensure critical resources are deployed when and where they’re needed. Part of that involves helping other agencies when wildfires break out.
Since fire season began in May, Carlsbad Fire personnel have helped battle several wildfires that have threatened communities in Riverside County, San Diego County and Northern California.
The firefighters are deployed as part of California’s Fire Service and Rescue Emergency Mutual Aid System. The system allows agencies to share resources to combat fires and other emergencies that exceed the capabilities of a single jurisdiction.
The state-wide mutual aid assistance is made possible through negotiated terms and conditions outlined in the California Fire Assistance Agreement (CFAA). Under this agreement, firefighting positions are backfilled at home, so there’s no change in coverage for the Carlsbad community.
Since May 3, a total of 36 Carlsbad Fire personnel have helped to combat 8 wildfires statewide, including the Fairview Fire near Hemet that broke out Sept. 5.
Firefighters are typically deployed in teams from 3 to 6 people and commit to being away from home for approximately 14 days, plus travel time. They work to protect life and property in extremely challenging conditions, often with little sleep.
Carlsbad benefits from mutual aid, knowing when or if we have a major incident, we can count on other agencies to reciprocate, like they did during the 2014 Poinsettia Fire. As the frequency and intensity of wildfires increases due to drought and climate change, the statewide mutual system has become more important than ever.
“Under the California Fire Service and Rescue Emergency Mutual Aid System, day and night, Carlsbad firefighters are responding with our San Diego County partner agencies to fires and other emergencies from the Oregon border to the Mexico border (and sometimes out of state), while maintaining full staffing here at home,” said Chief Michael Calderwood.
“They do so as part of their sworn duty to the City of Carlsbad and the state of California,” Calderwood said. “They miss important family moments and skip holidays, working in extreme conditions – sometimes up to 21 days straight, 24 hours a day – with minimal rest periods and sack lunches for food.”
Since the 2022 California fire season began, wildfires statewide have burned 365,140 acres, killed 9 civilians and destroyed 772 structures.
How to help prevent wildfires
Our region’s worst wildfires have typically occurred in September and October. Calderwood urged residents to remain alert, be safe and protect their homes from wildfires. Many wildfires can be prevented, or their spread limited, by taking a few simple precautions:
Monitor the weather report for red flag warnings and dry, windy conditions
During these weather condition, DO NOT do outdoor electrical work or engage in any activity that could cause a spark including:
Using power lawn mowers, edging equipment, chain saws and leaf blowers
Setting a piece of hot gardening equipment in the brush
Using outdoor grinding or cutting tools/saws
Pulling a car over on an unpaved shoulder (unless an emergency) or parking a car near where dry landscaping could ignite
Using chains or trailer hitches that could touch the road and cause a spark
