Don't Be Stupid: Fire, Parks Officials Warn Of Drownings, Fires Over Holiday Weekend

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — Law enforcement will be hitting the land and water during the holiday weekend to keep an eye on rivers and possible fires.

Park rangers say their chief concern is the increase in drownings leading into the holiday weekend.

The water worshippers aboard Zach Johnson's boat don't want anyone taking the sparkle out of their Fourth of July fun.

"Before we jumped on the boat I actually told everybody to keep an eye out and be alert," he said. "If you see anything, let's report it. So I think it's good to have those guys out there."

The extra eyes are something park rangers will rely on, even with double the staff on hand. With 10 rescues and three confirmed drownings over the last two weeks along Sacramento's rivers, officials want everyone to know and respect their limits.

"A lot of them are the result of people thinking they can make it out across the river. 'I'm just going to swim across the river'—they get halfway, they don't make it and then we have to rescue them," said Chief Ranger Michael Doane.

For firefighters, Capt. David Baldwin says the message is clear—this is no time to be complacent when it comes to fire safety.

"They just take it for granted that it's not going to happen to them or everything is okay if they are safe and sane," he said. "The potential is off the charts right now so they just need to be aware of that."

With 18 additional crews standing by, firefighters say they're ready to go at a moment's notice.

"With the exceptional drought and high fire danger, we are anticipating a very busy weekend," Baldwin said.

Officials want people who plan to hit the water to remember to leave the alcohol at home, have a life vest on no matter your age, and no open flames.