Red Flag Alert: Fremont Fire Department Increases Staffing – Patch

FREMONT, Calif. — A Red Flag Warning issued by the National Weather Service-Bay Area went into effect at 11 a.m. and is expected to last until 7 a.m. Thursday.

The warning was issued because conditions are optimal for the wildfire to spread quickly, including strong winds, low humidity and dry fuels including grass and brush.

The Fremont Fire Department responded to the alert by increasing personnel during the designated alert window. “All Fremont fire stations are fully staffed,” the department said in a statement to the community, “and under the Red Flag warning, additional firefighters will be on duty to increase fire protection in the City of Fremont.”

Fremont firefighters are also part of the California Office of Emergency Management Special Task Force (OES 2870C), which provides additional units within Alameda County during a red flag warning. The task force includes Oakland, Hayward, Alameda City Fire and Hand Crew 8 in addition to the Fremont Fire Department, according to Alameda County Fire.

The Fremont Fire Department has issued these wildfire prevention tips:

Equipment Safety:

• Never mow or trim dry grass on the day of a Red Flag warning. (Mow before 10am on a day when it is not hot and windy).
• Never use lawnmowers in dry vegetation.
• Avoid power equipment that creates sparks.

Vehicle Safety:

• Never stop in dry grass.
• Make sure trailer chains do not drag on the ground.
• Practice safe towing. Dragging chains throws sparks. Use appropriate safety pins and attachment balls to secure the chains.
• Maintain proper tire pressure. Driving on exposed rims will throw sparks.
• Never stop in dry grass.
• Make sure trailer chains do not drag on the ground.

General Safety:

• Make sure cigarette butts are properly extinguished.
• Avoid activities with open flame or sparks.
• Never burn landscape debris such as leaves or branches on No Burn Days when it is windy or in areas where this is not permitted.

See also: Red Flag Warning, Bay Area Critical Fire Weather: Forecast