North Bay fire crews on alert as extreme heat raises fire danger

SANTA ROSA, Calif. (KGO) -- Fire crews across the North Bay are on heightened alert this weekend as a stretch of triple-digit temperatures increases fire danger throughout the region. Santa Rosa firefighters stopped the forward progress of a grass fire Saturday near Highway 12 and Fulton Road.

The blaze ignited during the hottest part of the day and burned near several homes before crews contained its spread.

Fire officials say hot temperatures, low humidity and drying vegetation are creating conditions favorable for fast-moving grass fires.

"Although we're not in Red Flag criteria, we're approaching what the National Weather Service calls critical fire levels. The fuels are drying out," said Santa Rosa Fire Marshal Paul Lowenthal.

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The Santa Rosa Fire Department has responded to dozens of grass fires over the past month.

Officials say six people have been arrested in connection with at least 20 of those fires.

"We're doing our part to work with Santa Rosa Police to arrest those responsible," Lowenthal said.

At the Sonoma Air Attack Base, Cal Fire crews remain ready to respond to any new fire starts.

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Apparatus Engineer Aaron Gonzales said firefighting aircraft can be airborne within four minutes of receiving a dispatch call.

"We're always ready. When the call comes in, aircraft are ready to respond and our firefighters are standing by," Gonzales said.

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Some of those same aircraft were used this week to battle the Woodside Fire in Sonoma County, dropping fire retardant to slow the spread of flames.

Smoke from that fire also created unhealthy air quality conditions across parts of the county.

Air quality alerts led to the closure of some city-run facilities, including the Petaluma Swim Center.

"It was concerning. Looking at the air quality index, it was like 500. We have animals," said Sebastopol resident Heidi Blackman.

With smoke conditions improving, many residents are now focused on dealing with the heat.

"We're going to take these guys for a swim. I try to keep up with them in the water. We're just trying to enjoy the sun," said Graham Blackman.

Fire agencies are urging residents to avoid activities that could spark a wildfire, including mowing dry grass, dragging trailer chains and using equipment that can generate sparks, as hot and dry conditions continue across the North Bay.