After an unusually dry winter, Marin County fire officials fear that wildfire season could be complicated by the coronavirus pandemic, which threatens to put a major strain on resources.
The Marin County Fire Department is planning for the possibility that a large chunk of its staff could become infected with the virus, said Chief Jason Weber. Firefighters risk exposure to the virus each day as they respond to medical calls, including from people experiencing severe symptoms of COVID-19.
If a wave of firefighter illnesses collides with a major wildfire, that could severely hamper the ability to control the blaze, Weber said.
“The last few fire seasons have been incredibly busy,” he said. “We could not afford to have a virus knock out 20% of the workforce.”
During major California wildfires, fire departments throughout the state send teams out to help.