Rapid drying detected in local brush, raising fire concerns
Even with cooler temperatures and coastal fog this week, fire conditions are quickly rising to a critical level in our local vegetation.
Santa Barbara County says tests recently conducted on evergreen plants shows evidence of rapid drying.
That could become even worse if we get a wind event and, in a fire, the shrubs would be explosive.
Tests were done on plants in areas that included Gaviota, Lake Cachuma, near Lompoc and Tepusquet.
Fire Chief Michael Dyer is urging the public to be cautious with anything that could cause a fire, from their cars, to barbeques, until we get out of the high fire season.
