1Meteorologist Brian D'Agostino from SDG&E 
Because time is critical in firefighting, these experts say new tools and technology that provide information ahead of a fire help them put staff in place in a timely manner.
This helps to extinguish a fire before it grows.
One technology using computer images is the Santa Ana Wildfire Threat Index (SAWTI), shared daily with the US Forest Service.
SDG&E recently provided information to them showing that there was a high propensity of fire in the Anaheim area prior to fires starting there.
The SAWTI classifies fire danger into four levels, similar to hurricane-strength categories. Experts say this is critical information for firefighters.
Another tool, the Fire Potential Index measures humidity, temperature, and wind, and is analyzed by an SDG&E meteorologist then provided daily to all fire departments in the region stating the potential of a fire.
Fire agencies determine their staffing based on this information.
