Thursday, December 25, 2008

California Fire News - Updates in your mail box

California Fire News - Updates in your mail box

Link to California Fire News - Structure, Wildland, EMS

CALIFORNIA SNOW DEPTH MAP - GOOGLE EARTH KMZ

Posted: 24 Dec 2008 12:35 PM CST

Who might have a "white Christmas"? Find out here: PNG or KMZ

National Snow Headlines

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Snow Model Status: The model is up, running, and current. Weather Headlines
  • Moderate freezing rain and snowfall occurred in the southern Great Lakes on Tuesday
  • Heavy snowfall occurred in the Southwest yesterday
  • Widespread heavy snowfall likely in the West through Friday
Who might have a "white Christmas"? Snow Reports:
Metric Units...
Station IDNameElevation
(feet)
Snowfall
(in)
Duration
(hours)
Report Date / Time(UTC)
HOWO3HOWARD PRAIRIE DAM45674.200242008-12-23 16
COPC1COPCO NO 1 DAM26802.000242008-12-23 21
YKAC1YREKA50921.700242008-12-23 16
4462C_MADISYREKA 0.9 WNW, CA34091.300242008-12-23 15
1385O_MADISASHLAND 1 E, OR18861.200242008-12-23 16
HPYC1HAPPY CAMP RS11191.000242008-12-23 16
MHSC1MT SHASTA35891.000242008-12-23 07
1393O_MADISJACKSONVILLE 10 S, OR18830.700242008-12-23 15
4104C_MADISWEED 5.4 N, CA30610.700242008-12-23 15
1388O_MADISASHLAND 1 SE, OR19290.500242008-12-23 16

Note: these data are unofficial and provisional.
Zip codes (where available) of observations will be included in text files after October 7, 2008.

Station Snowfall Reports
Station Snow Water Equivalent Reports
Station Snowdepth Reports

SNOW ANALYSIS MAPS AND DATA: LINK

HIGH WIND WARNING - FLOOD WATCH & HIGH SURF

Posted: 24 Dec 2008 11:53 AM CST

HIGH WIND WARNING - FLOOD WATCH - HIGH SURF

FLOOD WATCH SIGNSTRENGTHENING STORM FRONT WILL BRING WINTER WEATHER AND LOCALIZED COASTAL FLOODING EXPECTED CHRISTMAS EVE THROUGH CHRISTMAS NIGHT.

A COASTAL FLOOD WATCH MEANS THAT CONDITIONS FAVORABLE FOR FLOODING ARE EXPECTED TO DEVELOP. COASTAL RESIDENTS SHOULD BE ALERT FOR LATER STATEMENTS OR WARNINGS...AND TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT PROPERTY.

Description: IN ADDITION TO THE WINTER WEATHER...ENORMOUS SURF WILL POUND THE SHORES. BREAKERS OF 30 TO 35 FEET COMBINED WITH A 7.4 FOOT HIGH TIDE MAY PRODUCE LOCALIZED COASTAL FLOODING. THE STORM WILL NOT GENERATE THE WINDS TO SUPPORT WIDESPREAD FLOODING...BUT AREAS PRONE TO COASTAL FLOODING MAY BE AFFECTED BY RISING WATER.

Instructions:A PACIFIC STORM WILL BRING COLD AND WET WEATHER CHRISTMAS EVE THROUGH CHRISTMAS NIGHT. ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS ARE POSSIBLE AND SOME OF THE HEAVIER RAIN SHOWERS MAY CONTAIN SMALL HAIL. THE ROADWAYS MAY BECOME ICY AS THE TEMPERATURES COOL CHRISTMAS NIGHT. IF ENCOUNTERING HAIL OR ICE... SLOW DOWN GRADUALLY. SUDDEN BRAKING CAN CAUSE YOUR CAR TO SPIN OUT OF CONTROL.

AHIGH WIND SIGN WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT: A STRENGTHENING STORM SYSTEM IN THE EASTERN PACIFIC WILL APPROACH THE CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA COAST TODAY. STRONG SOUTHEAST TO SOUTH WINDS WILL DEVELOP IN ADVANCE OF THE COLD FRONT...WITH THE STRONGEST WINDS EXPECTED IN THE MOUNTAINS...WHERE WIND GUSTS TO 70 MPH ARE EXPECTED. HIGH WIND WARNINGS ARE IN EFFECT FOR THE MOUNTAINS OF SANTA BARBARA AND SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTIES THROUGH TONIGHT. ACROSS THE MOUNTAINS OF LOS ANGELES AND VENTURA COUNTIES... DAMAGING WIND GUSTS TO 70 MPH ARE ALSO EXPECTED...BUT THOSE HAZARDS ARE COVERED UNDER THE WINTER STORM WARNING THAT IS IN EFFECT FOR THOSE AREAS

WIND ADVISORY IS CANCELLED FOR THE CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY Actual/Future/Severe/Possible
WEST CENTRAL SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY-EAST CENTRAL SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY-SOUTHWESTERN SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY-SOUTHEASTERN SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY-
Cancel sent at 09:33 PST on 2008-12-24
HIGH WIND WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM PST THIS EVENING THROUGH LATE TONIGHT Actual/Future/Severe/Possible
SANTA MONICA MOUNTAINS RECREATIONAL AREA-
Update sent at 09:25 PST on 2008-12-24
WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM THIS EVENING TO 6 AM PST THURSDAY Actual/Future/Severe/Possible
CATALINA ISLAND-
Update sent at 09:25 PST on 2008-12-24
WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM THIS EVENING TO 6 AM PST THURSDAY Actual/Future/Severe/Possible
SANTA CLARITA VALLEY-
Update sent at 09:25 PST on 2008-12-24
WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM THIS EVENING TO 6 AM PST THURSDAY Actual/Future/Severe/Possible
LOS ANGELES COUNTY SAN FERNANDO VALLEY-LOS ANGELES COUNTY SAN GABRIEL VALLEY-
Update sent at 09:25 PST on 2008-12-24
WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM THIS EVENING TO 6 AM PST THURSDAY Actual/Future/Severe/Possible
LOS ANGELES COUNTY COAST INCLUDING DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES-
Update sent at 09:25 PST on 2008-12-24
WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 3 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 3 AM PST THURSDAY Actual/Future/Severe/Possible
VENTURA COUNTY COAST-VENTURA COUNTY INTERIOR VALLEYS-VENTURA COUNTY COASTAL VALLEYS-
Update sent at 09:25 PST on 2008-12-24
WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT PST TONIGHT Actual/Future/Severe/Possible
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY SOUTH COAST-
Update sent at 09:25 PST on 2008-12-24
WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT PST TONIGHT Actual/Future/Severe/Possible
CUYAMA VALLEY-
Update sent at 09:25 PST on 2008-12-24
WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT PST TONIGHT Actual/Future/Severe/Possible
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY INTERIOR VALLEYS-
Update sent at 09:25 PST on 2008-12-24
WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT PST TONIGHT Actual/Future/Severe/Possible
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY CENTRAL COAST-SANTA BARBARA COUNTY CENTRAL COAST-SANTA YNEZ VALLEY-
Update sent at 09:25 PST on 2008-12-24
DAMAGING WINDS TO AFFECT PORTIONS OF SOUTHWEST CALIFORNIA TODAY INTO TONIGHT Actual/Immediate/Severe/Likely
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY MOUNTAINS-SANTA BARBARA COUNTY MOUNTAINS-
Update sent at 09:25 PST on 2008-12-24
WIND ADVISORY IS CANCELLED Actual/Future/Severe/Possible
SOUTHERN SACRAMENTO VALLEY-CARQUINEZ STRAIT AND DELTA-NORTHERN SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY-
Cancel sent at 08:27 PST on 2008-12-24
WINTER WEATHER AND LOCALIZED COASTAL FLOODING EXPECTED CHRISTMAS EVE THROUGH CHRISTMAS NIGHT Actual/Future/Unknown/Possible
MENDOCINO COAST-
Alert sent at 07:28 PST on 2008-12-24
WINTER WEATHER AND LOCALIZED COASTAL FLOODING EXPECTED CHRISTMAS EVE THROUGH CHRISTMAS NIGHT Actual/Future/Unknown/Possible
REDWOOD COAST-
Alert sent at 07:28 PST on 2008-12-24
FLASH FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR THE RECENT BURN AREAS FROM 4 PM PST THIS AFTERNOON THROUGH THURSDAY MORNING Actual/Future/Severe/Possible
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE LOS ANGELES/OXNARD CA
Update sent at 05:47 PST on 2008-12-24
FLASH FLOODING POSSIBLE FOR THE RECENT BURN AREAS OF SANTA BARBARA... VENTURA... AND LOS ANGELES COUNTIES BELOW 6000 FEET TODAY THROUGH THURSDAY Actual/Future/Severe/Possible
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE LOS ANGELES/OXNARD CA
Update sent at 05:47 PST on 2008-12-24
WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM THIS EVENING TO 4 PM PST THURSDAY Actual/Future/Severe/Possible
NORTHEAST FOOTHILLS/SACRAMENTO VALLEY-MOTHERLODE-INCLUDING THE CITIES OF... PARADISE... GRASS VALLEY... JACKSON
Update sent at 05:32 PST on 2008-12-24
MORE WINTER WEATHER TO AFFECT THE REGION LATE TONIGHT THROUGH CHRISTMAS DAY Actual/Future/Severe/Possible
SHASTA LAKE AREA / NORTHERN SHASTA COUNTY-BURNEY BASIN / EASTERN SHASTA COUNTY-MOUNTAINS SOUTHWESTERN SHASTA COUNTY TO NORTHERN LAKE COUNTY-WESTERN PLUMAS COUNTY/LASSEN PARK-WEST SLOPE NORTHERN SIERRA NEVADA-INCLUDING THE CITIES OF... SHASTA DAM ... BURNEY... ALDER SPRINGS... CHESTER... QUINCY... BLUE CANYON
Update sent at 05:32 PST on 2008-12-24
WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM THIS EVENING TO 4 PM PST THURSDAY Actual/Future/Severe/Possible
NORTHEAST FOOTHILLS/SACRAMENTO VALLEY-MOTHERLODE-INCLUDING THE CITIES OF... PARADISE... GRASS VALLEY... JACKSON
Update sent at 05:27 PST on 2008-12-24
MORE WINTER WEATHER TO AFFECT THE REGION LATE TONIGHT THROUGH CHRISTMAS DAY Actual/Future/Severe/Possible
SHASTA LAKE AREA / NORTHERN SHASTA COUNTY-BURNEY BASIN / EASTERN SHASTA COUNTY-MOUNTAINS SOUTHWESTERN SHASTA COUNTY TO NORTHERN LAKE COUNTY-WESTERN PLUMAS COUNTY/LASSEN PARK-WEST SLOPE NORTHERN SIERRA NEVADA-INCLUDING THE CITIES OF... SHASTA DAM ... BURNEY... ALDER SPRINGS... CHESTER... QUINCY... BLUE CANYON
Update sent at 05:27 PST on 2008-12-24
WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM PST THURSDAY Actual/Immediate/Severe/Observed
WESTERN SISKIYOU COUNTY-INCLUDING THE CITIES OF... ETNA... FORT JONES... GREENVIEW
Update sent at 05:27 PST on 2008-12-24
WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM PST THIS AFTERNOON Actual/Immediate/Severe/Observed
CENTRAL SISKIYOU COUNTY-SOUTH CENTRAL SISKIYOU COUNTY-NORTH CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST SISKIYOU COUNTY-NORTHEAST SISKIYOU AND NORTHWEST MODOC COUNTIES-MODOC COUNTY-INCLUDING THE CITIES OF... YREKA... WEED... MOUNT SHASTA... DUNSMUIR... MCCLOUD... TENNANT... TULELAKE... DORRIS... ALTURAS
Update sent at 05:27 PST on 2008-12-24
WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM PST THIS AFTERNOON Actual/Immediate/Severe/Observed
CENTRAL SISKIYOU COUNTY-SOUTH CENTRAL SISKIYOU COUNTY-NORTH CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST SISKIYOU COUNTY-NORTHEAST SISKIYOU AND NORTHWEST MODOC COUNTIES-MODOC COUNTY-INCLUDING THE CITIES OF... YREKA... WEED... MOUNT SHASTA... DUNSMUIR... MCCLOUD... TENNANT... TULELAKE... DORRIS... ALTURAS
Update sent at 05:18 PST on 2008-12-24
WINTER STORM WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM PST THURSDAY Actual/Immediate/Severe/Observed
WESTERN SISKIYOU COUNTY-INCLUDING THE CITIES OF... ETNA... FORT JONES... GREENVIEW
Alert sent at 05:18 PST on 2008-12-24
HIGH SURF WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 3 AM THURSDAY TO 9 AM PST FRIDAY Actual/Immediate/Severe/Observed
REDWOOD COAST-MENDOCINO COAST-
Update sent at 05:17 PST on 2008-12-24
WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM THIS MORNING TO 9 PM PST THURSDAY FOR THE CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY Actual/Future/Severe/Possible
WEST CENTRAL SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY-EAST CENTRAL SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY-SOUTHWESTERN SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY-SOUTHEASTERN SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY-
Update sent at 04:39 PST on 2008-12-24
WINTER STORM WARNING FOR HEAVY SNOW AND GUSTY WINDS NOW IN EFFECT FROM 4 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 4 PM PST THURSDAY FOR THE SOUTHERN SIERRA NEVADA AND TEHACHAPI MOUNTAINS Actual/Immediate/Severe/Observed
KERN COUNTY MOUNTAINS-SIERRA NEVADA FROM YOSEMITE TO KINGS CANYON-TULARE COUNTY MOUNTAINS-
Alert sent at 04:23 PST on 2008-12-24
WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FOR THE HIGHER MOUNTAINS OF VENTURA AND LOS ANGELES COUNTIES Actual/Immediate/Severe/Observed
VENTURA COUNTY MOUNTAINS-LOS ANGELES COUNTY MOUNTAINS EXCLUDING THE SANTA MONICA RANGE-
Alert sent at 04:23 PST on 2008-12-24
HIGH WIND WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM THIS EVENING THROUGH LATE TONIGHT Actual/Future/Severe/Possible
SANTA MONICA MOUNTAINS RECREATIONAL AREA-
Update sent at 04:23 PST on 2008-12-24
WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM THIS EVENING TO 6 AM PST THURSDAY Actual/Future/Severe/Possible
CATALINA ISLAND-
Alert sent at 04:23 PST on 2008-12-24
WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM THIS EVENING TO 6 AM PST THURSDAY Actual/Future/Severe/Possible
SANTA CLARITA VALLEY-
Alert sent at 04:23 PST on 2008-12-24
WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM THIS EVENING TO 6 AM PST THURSDAY Actual/Future/Severe/Possible
LOS ANGELES COUNTY SAN FERNANDO VALLEY-LOS ANGELES COUNTY SAN GABRIEL VALLEY-
Alert sent at 04:22 PST on 2008-12-24
WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM THIS EVENING TO 6 AM PST THURSDAY Actual/Future/Severe/Possible
LOS ANGELES COUNTY COAST INCLUDING DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES-
Alert sent at 04:22 PST on 2008-12-24
WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 3 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 3 AM PST THURSDAY Actual/Future/Severe/Possible
VENTURA COUNTY COAST-VENTURA COUNTY INTERIOR VALLEYS-VENTURA COUNTY COASTAL VALLEYS-
Alert sent at 04:22 PST on 2008-12-24
WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM THIS MORNING TO MIDNIGHT PST TONIGHT Actual/Future/Severe/Possible
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY SOUTH COAST-
Alert sent at 04:22 PST on 2008-12-24
WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM THIS MORNING TO MIDNIGHT PST TONIGHT Actual/Future/Severe/Possible
CUYAMA VALLEY-
Alert sent at 04:22 PST on 2008-12-24
WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM THIS MORNING TO MIDNIGHT PST TONIGHT Actual/Future/Severe/Possible
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY INTERIOR VALLEYS-
Alert sent at 04:22 PST on 2008-12-24
WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM THIS MORNING TO MIDNIGHT PST TONIGHT Actual/Future/Severe/Possible
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY CENTRAL COAST-SANTA BARBARA COUNTY CENTRAL COAST-SANTA YNEZ VALLEY-
Alert sent at 04:22 PST on 2008-12-24
DAMAGING WINDS TO AFFECT PORTIONS OF SOUTHWEST CALIFORNIA TODAY INTO TONIGHT Actual/Immediate/Severe/Likely
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY MOUNTAINS-SANTA BARBARA COUNTY MOUNTAINS-
Update sent at 04:22 PST on 2008-12-24
STRONG AND GUSTY SOUTHEAST WINDS ARE EXPECTED FROM 4 AM TO 12 NOON TODAY Actual/Immediate/Severe/Likely
SAN FRANCISCO-COASTAL NORTH BAY... INCLUDING POINT REYES NATIONAL SEASHORE-NORTH BAY MOUNTAINS-SAN FRANCISCO BAY SHORELINE-SAN FRANCISCO PENINSULA COAST-EAST BAY HILLS AND DIABLO RANGE-SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAINS-SANTA LUCIA MOUNTAINS AND LOS PADRES NATIONAL FOREST-NORTHERN SALINAS VALLEY... HOLLISTER VALLEY... AND CARMEL VALLEY-NORTHERN MONTEREY BAY-SOUTHERN MONTEREY BAY AND BIG SUR COAST-
Update sent at 04:19 PST on 2008-12-24
WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 4 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 4 PM PST THURSDAY Actual/Immediate/Severe/Observed
EASTERN SIERRA SLOPES-INCLUDING THE CITIES OF... ASPENDELL... MT WHITNEY
Update sent at 04:19 PST on 2008-12-24
WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM PST THIS AFTERNOON Actual/Future/Severe/Possible
SOUTHERN SACRAMENTO VALLEY-CARQUINEZ STRAIT AND DELTA-NORTHERN SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY-
Update sent at 04:13 PST on 2008-12-24
WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 12 PM PST THURSDAY Actual/Immediate/Severe/Observed
MONO-INCLUDING THE CITIES OF... BRIDGEPORT... COLEVILLE... LEE VINING... MAMMOTH LAKES
Update sent at 04:03 PST on 2008-12-24
WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 12 PM PST THURSDAY Actual/Immediate/Severe/Observed
GREATER LAKE TAHOE AREA-INCLUDING THE CITIES OF... SOUTH LAKE TAHOE... TAHOE CITY... TRUCKEE... MARKLEEVILLE... GLENBROOK... INCLINE VILLAGE
Update sent at 04:03 PST on 2008-12-24
WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM PST THURSDAY Actual/Immediate/Severe/Observed
SURPRISE VALLEY CALIFORNIA-NORTHERN WASHOE COUNTY-INCLUDING THE CITIES OF... CEDARVILLE... EAGLEVILLE... FORT BIDWELL... EMPIRE... GERLACH
Update sent at 04:03 PST on 2008-12-24
WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 AM PST THURSDAY Actual/Immediate/Severe/Observed
LASSEN-EASTERN PLUMAS-EASTERN SIERRA COUNTIES-INCLUDING THE CITIES OF... PORTOLA... SUSANVILLE... WESTWOOD... SIERRAVILLE
Update sent at 04:03 PST on 2008-12-24
FLASH FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM THIS EVENING THROUGH THURSDAY AFTERNOON Actual/Future/Severe/Possible
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SAN DIEGO CA
Update sent at 03:51 PST on 2008-12-24
FLASH FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM THIS EVENING THROUGH THURSDAY AFTERNOON FOR THE BURN AREAS Actual/Future/Severe/Possible
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SAN DIEGO CA
Update sent at 03:51 PST on 2008-12-24
FLASH FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM THIS EVENING THROUGH THURSDAY MORNING BELOW 6000 FEET Actual/Future/Severe/Possible
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SAN DIEGO CA
Update sent at 03:51 PST on 2008-12-24
FLASH FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM THIS EVENING THROUGH THURSDAY MORNING BELOW 6000 FEET Actual/Future/Severe/Possible
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SAN DIEGO CA
Update sent at 03:51 PST on 2008-12-24
FLASH FLOOD WATCH FOR TONIGHT INTO THURSDAY FOR THE MOUNTAINS BELOW 6000 FEET AND FOR BURN AREAS IN COASTAL AND VALLEY AREAS Actual/Future/Severe/Possible
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SAN DIEGO CA
Update sent at 03:51 PST on 2008-12-24
WINTER STORMS TO CONTINUE TO BRING SNOW TO HIGHER ELEVATIONS OF NORTHWEST CALIFORNIA Actual/Future/Severe/Possible
NORTH COAST INTERIOR-UPPER TRINITY RIVER-
Update sent at 03:46 PST on 2008-12-24
WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM THIS EVENING TO 6 PM PST THURSDAY Actual/Future/Severe/Possible
SAN DIEGO COUNTY COASTAL AREAS-SAN DIEGO COUNTY VALLEYS-
Alert sent at 03:38 PST on 2008-12-24
WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM THIS EVENING TO 6 PM PST THURSDAY Actual/Future/Severe/Possible
ORANGE COUNTY COASTAL AREAS-
Alert sent at 03:38 PST on 2008-12-24
HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 12 PM TO 10 PM PST THURSDAY Actual/Immediate/Severe/Observed
APPLE AND LUCERNE VALLEYS-COACHELLA VALLEY-SAN DIEGO COUNTY DESERTS-
Alert sent at 03:38 PST on 2008-12-24
PERIODS OF STRONG GUSTY WINDS AT TIMES FOR PORTIONS OF SOUTHWEST CALIFORNIA TONIGHT THROUGH THURSDAY EVENING Actual/Immediate/Severe/Likely
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY MOUNTAINS-RIVERSIDE COUNTY MOUNTAINS-SAN DIEGO COUNTY MOUNTAINS-
Alert sent at 03:38 PST on 2008-12-24
PERIODS OF LOCALLY HEAVY SNOWFALL IN PORTIONS OF THE SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY MOUNTAINS THROUGH EARLY THURSDAY Actual/Future/Severe/Possible
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY MOUNTAINS-
Alert sent at 03:27 PST on 2008-12-24

Holiday Safety Tips: December is the peak month for candle fires

Posted: 24 Dec 2008 10:40 AM CST

December is the peak month for candle fires and Christmas is the peak day.

Christmas season safety tips provided by the Orange County Fire Authority:

People have safely enjoyed using candles for centuries. Their colors and scents enhance everyday life and evoke memories of special events. Candles are a source of light and delight when used properly and according to manufacturers' directions. However, if certain precautions are not taken by the consumer, candles can also become a factor in a chain of events that can result in unnecessary injury and even death.
The United States Fire Administration (USFA) currently estimates that candles are
responsible for approximately 15,600 residential structure fires each year and cause 1,270
civilian injuries, 150 fatalities, and $539 million in property losses. December is the peak month for candle fires and Christmas is the peak day.

Candle Safety Tips
Keep candles at least 12 inches from anything that can burn.
Use sturdy, safe candleholders.
Never leave a burning candle unattended.
Extinguish candles when you leave a room.
Be careful not to splatter wax when extinguishing a candle.
Avoid using candles in bedrooms and sleeping areas.
Always use a flashlight, not a candle, for emergency lighting.
Consider using battery-operated flameless candles.
Candles and Children
Keep candles up high out of reach of children.
Never leave a child unattended in a room with a candle.
A child should not sleep in a room with a lit candle.
Don't allow children or teens to have candles in their bedrooms.
During Power Outages
Use a flashlight instead of a candle whenever possible.
Avoid carrying a lit candle.
Don't use a lit candle when searching for items in a confined space.
Never use a candle for a light when checking pilot lights or fueling equipment such as a
kerosene heater or lantern. The flame may ignite the fumes.
Candle Usage Tips
Recommended burning time is one hour per inch diameter of the candle.
Hold your finger in front of the flame as you blow the candle out, The air will flow around
your finger and extinguish the candle from both sides.
This prevents any hot wax from splattering.
Keep wax pool free of wick trimmings and debris.
For More Information
www.ocfa.org
www.nfpa.org
www.candles.org
www.usfa.fema.gov

The USFA's National Fire Incident Reporting System, and the National Fire Protection
Agency, suggest that candle fire incidents occur most often in the bedroom (40%); followed
by the living room, family room or den (17%); the bathroom (14%); the kitchen (8%); 3%
started unclassified function areas; and 3% started in dining rooms or bar areas. Most
candle fire incidents are found to be due to consumer inattention to basic fire safety or to
the misuse of candles. Nearly 50 percent of residential candle fires reportedly occurred
because a combustible item was placed too close to the candle. In addition, nearly 18
percent occurred because candles were unattended, abandoned or inadequately
controlled.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued 30 recalls of nearly 5.4 million candles or candleholders since 1993. These recalls have been because the candle flame burns several inches above the candle or candleholder, which themselves are flammable.

The Leading Causes for Residential Candle Fire Incidents Were Reported as Follows:
Too close to combustibles
55%
Candle unattended
18%
Falling asleep
12%
Control of flame
10%
Child playing
5%

Please checkout the Orange website for more information: Candle Safety - www.ocfa.org

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