Full Notification

Santa Barbara County Live Fuel Moisture Levels at Critical

SANTA BARBARA, Ca. September 15, 2014 – Live fuel moisture (LFM) is important for assessing fire danger. LFM is defined as the percentage of water content to dry matter content in live vegetation. Sixty percent is considered critical.

Santa Barbara County average LFM is at 60%, with some areas below critical.

The direct measurement of LFM is done by collecting fresh field samples of Chamise, drying them until all moisture is evaporated, and calculating the water content difference between fresh and dry samples. Field-sampled LFM are gathered at five locations throughout Santa Barbara County. They include Tepesquet, Harris Grade, Cachuma, Refugio and W. Gaviota.

All of California is experiencing drought conditions. According to the latest Drought Monitor, at least 80% of the state is in a D3 (Extreme) drought, and nearly 60% of the state is in a D4 (Exceptional) drought. Due to the persistent drought, Bark Beetle Outbreak is on the increase. This, coupled with Sudden Oak Death, is contributing to an increase in both standing and down dead fuels.

The potential and susceptibility to large wildfires exists. The Santa Barbara County Fire Department urges people to use caution in the coming months.

Contact Information:
Captain David Sadecki
Information Officer
Office 805.681-5531
Cell 805.689-0599
News Line 805.681-5546
Email [email protected]
Twitter @SBCFireInfo