Be Safe This Weekend
Sonora, CA – Many people will be enjoying outdoor activities this Memorial Day weekend.
Because of the very dry winter, CAL Fire spokesperson Daniel Berlant says there is an elevated fire risk, so be careful if you’re camping or barbequing. Statewide, CAL Fire has responded to 1,600 wildfires so far this year, which is up about 50 percent from last year.
“Make sure when you’re done with a campfire, that you completely extinguish it with water, and mix it up with dirt, so that there is zero heat in that campfire,” says Berlant. “The other thing…when you are barbequing make sure that you never leave the grill unattended. Just a moment with your back to it, and a little wind picking up, the hot coals can get out and spark a fire as well.
Berlant points out that there also tends to be a spike in drownings around Memorial Day Weekend, so use caution around waterways. “With temperatures up, California’s waterways are running high as remaining snow melts,” he adds. “Many take advantage of cooling off in local rivers, but this fun outdoor activity does come with risks.”
Simple advice includes always wearing a life jacket, supervise children closely, never swim alone, and don’t drink while swimming or boating.
