Winds in forecast; firefighters plan for worst in SoCal
Saturday, November 17, 2007

Powerful winds forecasters believe could hit next week might not
materialize, but firefighters and emergency management officials aren't
taking any chances.

"We're planning for the worst-case scenario, which is another fire," said
Holly Crawford, public information specialist for San Diego County's Office
of Emergency Services.

Local firefighters, some of whom have been off the fire lines for a only few
days, are preparing for another round of wind-driven fires.

Fire engines, helicopters and air tankers from Northern California are being
moved south in anticipation.

But firefighters might catch a break.

Forecasters thought the county's mountains and passes might see gusts up to
65 mph this week, with winds continuing into Thanksgiving. But National
Weather Service meteorologist Brandt Maxwell said the latest forecast shows
that winds should be nothing like the howling gusts that drove last month's
wildfires.