The heatwave is on its way out and the rain is heading in 
SANTA MARIA, Calif. — The Central Coast received a small amount of rain over the weekend— not enough to ease fire season.
The Santa Barbara County Fire Department says the rain was not significant to help dry vegetation in most areas but later in the fall season the moisture will help.
“What we're looking for is consistent rain up to 2 to 3 inches of rain so that our dry vegetation can soak up that moisture and reduce our chances of a fire moving through that vegetation quickly", said Santa Barbara County Fire Dept.'s PIO, Scott Safechuck.
Public Information Officer Scott Safechuck also said that as the winter approaches, vehicles should be checked for rain safety. Tires and windshield wipers should be replaced for safer driving in the rain.
For the last week and a half, the Central Coast along with California and other states have been undergoing an excessive heatwave. Firefighters say rain or shine public safety is their priority.
“When the fire ends, and we work into suppression repair in the fires, we make sure that that we try to control that that erosion that might come with the later rains and try to help protect the public that lives downstream from that, said Cal Fire PIO Adan Orozco.
Fire officials do hope for rainfall to ease any potential wildfires.
Although in the midst of rain drivers should also be aware of driving over potholes, water creeks, or speeding through new pavements.
Firefighters said the rain that was seen over the weekend was from Hurricane Kay.
“A lot of our lightning activity that we're expecting and light rains are going to be on the eastern side of the state. We don't really expect anything that's going to be to have it here in the county of San Luis Obispo", said Orozco.
Firefighters say to beware of the road when in the rainy season.
As the heatwave does come to an end, heat illnesses will decrease but precautions are still needed in rainy weather.
Fire Official Safechuck also said to keep children out of creeks that may have deep water or animal feces that can be dangerous.
For more on the rain forecast stay tuned for our live show at 4 p.m., 5 p.m., and 6 p.m., and download our mobile app and first alert weather app.
