So Cal Fire season finally ends - Jan 7 2008

CAL FIRE to transition into its winter preparedness levels in Southern California on January 7, 2008.

Cooler weather and recent rains will allow CAL FIRE, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, to transition into its winter preparedness levels in Southern California on January 7, 2008.

On December 8, 2007 counties in Central California transitioned to winter preparedness, a move that CAL FIRE Unit's in Northern California began in October.

The transition to winter preparedness allows CAL FIRE to release some seasonal firefighters, reduce staffing on fire engines and close some remote wildand fire stations. However, CAL FIRE is prepared to call resources back if fire weather conditions dictate. This transition also coincides in many areas with the permitting of residential debris burning.

Due to extremely dry conditions, Southern California has become prone to year-round wildfires. Since 2005 CAL FIRE has provided year-round staffing in San Bernardino, Riverside and San Diego counties.

"CAL FIRE will maintain year-round staffing in Southern California," said Chief Ruben Grijalva, director of CAL FIRE. "Firefighters, fire engines, and firefighting aircraft will stand ready to respond to any new wildfires."

CAL FIRE is the State of California's fire department and continues to respond to all types of emergency responses including structure fires, medical aids, and traffic accidents in communities across California. For more information about CAL FIRE and Fire Season 2007 visit the CAL FIRE Web site at www.fire.ca.gov.