Fire season over

The Ventura County Fire Department closed the fire season on Mon., Jan. 15. The forecast weather patterns have reduced the potential for major wildland fires in the area. Fire season opened on June 7 last year and normally runs through November.

Work schedules for certain firefighting resources and response levels to grass and brush fires will change with the end of fire season. Equipment response levels will be reduced to one or two engines on a wildland fire depending on the location and weather conditions. An 18person handcrew, three bulldozers and helicopters are available, and response levels can be increased as needed.

Even though the fire danger has lessened wildland fires can occur at any time during the year in Southern California due to changing weather patterns. Ventura County residents are encouraged to follow firesafe practices at home and in wilderness areas, such as replacing combustible growth with fire-retardant plants.

Contact a local fire station for fire safety literature, or visit www.fire.countyofventura.org.