Hollister
– Local firefighters are on high alert as dry conditions this
year and a hot forecast for Wednesday will make July 4 especially
dangerous.
Hollister – Local firefighters are on high alert as dry conditions this year and a hot forecast for Wednesday will make July 4 especially dangerous.
Temperatures will be heating up today, with a forecast of 92 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. On Wednesday, temperatures will continue to rise, with a forecast of 99 degrees.
Unusually dry weather this year has added to fire danger, although there are no fire danger red flags for the area, said Diana Henderson, a forecaster with the NWS.
“That doesn’t mean people should be careless,” Henderson said.
There also may be a slight breeze Wednesday in San Benito County, Henderson said.
Hollister Interim Fire Chief Fred Cheshire said the combination of dry conditions, hot weather and a slight breeze makes firefighting difficult.
“Especially when it gets breezy or hot, the fire will move a lot faster than we can control,” Cheshire said.
High temperatures, oxygen and dry fuel are known as the fire triangle. When the three are present, fire danger is high.
One of the best preventative measures residents can take, especially where urban and rural areas meet, is keeping weeds and grasses under control, Cheshire said.
Hollister’s weed abatement program helps reduce fire risk with the city limits, the chief said.
But residents can take more immediate steps such as using safe and sane fireworks and following instructions, Cheshire said. The chief encouraged people to have fun in a responsible way.
And a little on-site safety can keep Fourth of July celebrations safe, the chief said.
“Have some sort of a garden hose with a nozzle and pay attention,” Cheshire said.
Cheshire discouraged people from using illegal fireworks. Any firework that leaves the ground is most likely illegal, Cheshire added.
Hollister Police Capt. Richard Vasquez said officers will be on the lookout for those using illegal fireworks.
“Anybody caught in possession of illegal fireworks will be dealt with,” Vasquez said.
The captain added that those caught with illegal fireworks are subject to being arrested or fined.
Anyone convicted of illegal fireworks possession could be fined up to $1,000 and could face up to one year in county jail, according to the California Health and Safety Code.
