Firefighters urge people to take precautions as fires hit Central Coast

NEW CUYAMA, Calif. – Cal Fire San Luis Obispo and the Santa Barbara County Fire Department want people to take precautions as temperatures rise and fires break out across the Central Coast.

There were five different fires in San Luis Obispo County on Tuesday. CalFire SLO said a few of them started on the side of the road. Toni Davis, CalFire SLO public information officer, said the fires have all been contained and are under investigation.

A 1,400-acre grass fire southeast of Cuyama in Santa Barbara County also started Tuesday. Fire crews are actively trying to contain the fire.

Fire crews are encouraging people to start preparing for fire incidents. They urge people to make sure their car is in good working order before hitting the road. When a car is parked on the side of the road for an emergency or non-emergency reason, a small spark can start a roadside fire.

Firefighters also said they would begin preparing homes and structures for wildfires. Start removing dead grass, trees and plants 100 feet or up to the property line of your home. Do not mow your property after 10 a.m. and do not mow in windy weather where dry particles can fly and create a fire hazard.

For more information on fire prevention, visit fire.ca.gov.