In today's newscast:
A grant program supports fire equipment and defensible space projects
As the weather heats up, fire departments want communities to be prepared for emergencies. Monterey Fire Chief Patrick Moore says Northern California might be a bit drier than Southern California this year.
"But those are just modeling, based on predictions," he said. "It's been already unseasonably warm in our community, so that dries out grass. So it kind of depends how the summer months go."
He reminds people to keep plants and flammable materials like wood piles away from homes.
"We're doing our part with helping with vegetation management, fuel reductions, defensible space inspections, our response to the areas," he said. "But it's a partnership with our community."
The Monterey Fire Department recently used a grant to clear defensible space around Don Dahvee Park.
The grant came from the Wildfire Safety and Preparedness Program, which is funded by PG&E and distributed through the California Fire Foundation. CFF executive director Angie Carmignani says nonprofits and tribal groups can also apply in a new round.
“It's opened this week, and then it'll go through July 8," she said.
Firefighter and CFF board member Ross Pounds says now the city of Monterey wants to purchase equipment that makes fuel reduction efforts more effective... because there’s always more work to do.
“ Fire season is all year-round in California now," he said.
Each Central Coast county has text alert programs for staying up to date about warnings and evacuations.
Murray Street Bridge closes through September
The Murray Street Bridge once again fully closed to cars, bikes and pedestrians this week. The City of Santa Cruz expects the closure to last through September. Businesses in the harbor and Seabright neighborhoods will remain open.
