Record Low Live Fuel Moistures Reached in San Mateo County
CAL FIRE has measured live fuel moistures that are now at record low levels for this time of year at each sampling site in Mateo and Santa Cruz counties.
September live fuel moisture for the Cal Fire CZU Unit are posted at http://www.wfas.net/index.php/
| Location | Current (%)9/16 | Previous (%)8/20 | Change |
| Hwy 35 & 92 - coyote brush | 120 | 127 | -7 |
| Pulgas - coyote brush | 81 | 111 | -30 |
| Saratoga Summit - chamise | 49 | 64 | -15 |
| new growth | /a | 71 | /a |
| old growth | /a | 56 | /a |
| Corralitos - manzanita | 78 | 82 | -4 |
| new growth | /a | 80 | /a |
| old growth | /a | 84 | /a |
Live fuel moisture levels continue running below or near record lows for this time of year at each of the sampling sites. Chamise at Saratoga Summit and Manzanita at Corralitos have both reached the “critical” level. This month’s reading at Saratoga Summit is the lowest since records have been kept, going back to 1977. Historically speaking, one month remains before moisture levels bottom out for the year.
Also, please note new growth is no longer distinguishable from and/or has reached equal moisture levels of old growth. The two will no longer be sampled separately until regrowth resumes this spring.