CHIEF’S CORNER: WE’RE ALL GOING TO FALL FOR SANTA ANA WINDS

By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna

September 23, 2023 (San Diego) -- This is the first week offFall, and with it comes Santa Ana winds!  Though fire season is year-round, fall typically brings triple-digit temperatures, low humidity and gusty winds bringing high fire danger and red flag warnings.

What is a Santa Ana?

According to the California-Nevada Climate Applications Program (CNAP), the Santa Ana is a “dry, sometimes hot and dusty wind in southwestern California that blows westward through the canyons toward the coastal areas.” Santa Ana winds can occur during fall, winter and spring, but they tend to peak during October through December.

As firefighters, we dread the Santa Anas, and no – not just because they can irritate our allergies or bring on dry skin. The winds don’t cause wildfires; people, accidents, vehicles, and disasters both natural and man-made do. Many times, fires are intentional.

The Santa Anas have a particularly devastating history of fanning the flames, creating some of the largest and most destructive fire events in Southern California. In fact, they are sometimes known as the “devil winds.”

It’s not just a Southern California problem. Diablos and Sundowners occur in Central and Northern California. When large wildfires strike, many resources and personnel are called on throughout California and even out of state to help. California has one of the most efficient mutual aid systems in the country. When multiple fires occur, it stretches our resources.

Regardless of where you live, wildfires impact everyone. Resources are dispatched from every city/county in the state. Resources get stretched thin. Air quality is affected, highways get closed, school classes get cancelled, utilities are interrupted, and it cost tax payers millions of dollars to fight these fires.

Here are some tools to help you prepare: https://www.sce.com/outage-center/preparing-for-outages and a map where power outages may be occurring: https://poweroutage.us/area/state/california

Are you prepared? Visit http://www.readyforwildfire.org/Prepare-For-Wildfire/

*Note: The information in this article was compiled from various sources. These suggestions are not a complete list of every preventative or loss control measure. This information is not intended to replace additional safety manuals or the advice of another qualified professional(s). We make no guarantee of results from the use of this information. We assume no liability in connection with the information nor the suggestions made.