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CAL FIRE and California State Parks urge preparedness as fuels dry; peak staffing expected by mid‑May
Summary
CAL FIRE and California State Parks warned that drier fuels, warmer weather and wind have increased fire danger across the Salinas Valley; CAL FIRE said staffing will build toward peak levels (about 17 engines and multiple aircraft) by mid‑to‑late May and advised residents on home hardening and safe recreation practices.
CAL FIRE and California State Parks used the county briefing to urge residents and visitors to take fire‑safety precautions as fuels dry across the region.
Josh Chilvera, a CAL FIRE battalion chief, said changing weather, drying fine fuels and increased winds have already produced scattered small fires in San Benito and Monterey counties. “We’re really gonna see that fire danger increase throughout the area,” Chilvera said. He reported the agency is transitioning staffing and resources: daily engine availability will increase to eight engines and a helicopter soon, and the department expects to reach peak staffing—about 17 engines plus dozers, air attack and contracted tankers—sometime in mid to late May.
Mike Dippel, Monterey District Ranger for California State Parks, said park attendants are conducting foot patrols and educating visitors on safe practices: use fire rings, keep water and a shovel nearby, avoid parking on dry grass and follow fire‑ring rules. Dippel said parks sometimes ban wood fires during extreme conditions and may limit open fires to gas stoves or impose full bans depending on red‑flag weather.
Both officials urged year‑round home hardening and defensible‑space work, careful trailer and equipment checks to avoid sparks, and having water or extinguishers readily available while recreating. The agencies highlighted recent fuel‑break and vegetation‑management work (including projects near Jacks Peak and in South County), and asked the public to follow posted park guidance and vehicle‑safety practices as visitation increases across the coast and Big Sur areas.
