Red Flag Warnings Issued in Southern California

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Gusts have reached up to 60+ mph in Southern California.  Warm air and low humidity has prompted the NWS to issue Red Flag Fire Warnings.   Warm temperatures will remain through the week with no precipitation forecasted for the next 10 days. This will keep us at high fire danger!  

Most fire departments have increased staffing levels, banned out door fires and in Los Angeles City narrow hillside streets Red Flag Warnings prohibit street side parking for fire apparatus access/egress.  

Though we are into January, most would think there are no/limited fires however, there have been many historical fires in January:  

January 3rd 2001: Viejas Fire San Diego Ca 10, 353 acres 16 structures lost  
January 5th 1963: Red Mountain Fire Ventura Co 1,389 acres  
January 6th 2003: Pacific Fire LA County 900 acres  
January 8th 2007: Malibu Fire 20 acres 5 structures lost  
January 15th 1961: Donolon Fire Ventura Co. 2,426 acres  

Homeowners and residents can take a proactive approach to dealing with wildland fires by practicing some simple guidelines.

• Roofs should be made of noncombustible material, use a "Class A" fire-resistive material
  
• Trees need to be trimmed away from the roof and 10 feet away from the chimney
  
• Plants should be low growing and less combustible
  
•  Combustible materials should be stored away from the home
  
• Make sure the yard is well trimmed and free of debris
  
• Roof and gutters should be cleaned of leaves and pine needles
  
• Make sure there is a 30-foot non-combustible fire break surrounding your home
  
• Make sure an adequate water supply is available to fight fire
  
• Be sure good access is provided for emergency vehicles
  
• Make sure your home can be well identified
  
• Plant vegetation should be kept away from windows and inside corners
  
• Water and maintain vegetation, remove dead materials
  
•  Install double-pane tempered glass windows
  
• Install a spark arrestor
  
• Remove combustible furniture, stacked firewood, papers away from home
  

Before a wildfire strikes:

• Know where your gas, electric and water main shut-off controls are and how to use them.
  
• Become familiar with your community's disaster-preparedness plans and create a family plan.
  
• Plan several escape routes from your home and neighborhood and designate an emergency meeting place.
  
• Put together an emergency kit.
  
• Ensure you follow your local fire code and adhere to it's brush compliance program  
  

During a wildfire:

• Listen to your portable radio for reports and evacuation information.
  
• Back your car into the garage or park it in an open space facing the direction of escape.
  
• Close garage windows and doors, but leave them unlocked.
  
• Confine pets to one room.
  
• Arrange temporary housing.
  
• When advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
  
• Wear protective clothing.
  
• Take your emergency kit.
  
• Lock your home.
  
• Follow the evacuation route that your local officials have identified.  

Author:Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna