Seasonal grasses in Ventura County have quickly dried out due to a recent warm, dry weather spell. Despite this, the brush still retains high moisture levels from early season rains. As a result, concerns of large, out-of-control wildfires have been staved off so far. Deputy Chief Chad Cook of the Ventura County Fire Department noted the grass drying out quickly, but also highlighted the high moisture levels in the brush.
The county has seen a couple of small fires during the extreme March heat wave, indicating the potential for grass fires due to increased ignitions from rain-induced growth. The moisture content in various spots around the county is monitored by the fire department every two weeks, serving as a predictor of fire danger.
Although temperatures are expected to remain high through late March, rain is not in the forecast. However, the region’s fire season timeline may depend on the weather in the following weeks or months. If the dry, warm conditions persist, an earlier start to the fire season might be anticipated this year.
Cheri Carlson, covering the environment for the Ventura County Star, can be reached at cheri.carlson@vcstar.com.
