Dry conditions prompt fire staffing increases
Fire crew staffing is being increased in Riverside County because of dry conditions.
About 26 more personnel will staff six engines and fly two aircraft for the Riverside County Fire Department/California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, said Capt. Julie Hutchinson, an agency spokeswoman. Currently, there are 10 engines staffed.
The additions are part of what the department calls “peak staffing” to increase manpower for the summer.
This year, conditions are bad enough that fire bosses felt they needed more staff earlier than usual.
“Everything is just very volatile. The potential is great for a major wildfire,” Hutchinson said.
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