Dry conditions caused by drought spark heightened vigilance for firefighters

As residents make plans for this year’s Fourth of July festivities, local fire officials are ramping up for what could be a very busy weekend, warning residents to avoid fireworks and exercise extreme precaution in dry weather conditions.

Capt. Brian Kane of La Cañada’s Fire Station No. 82 said Tuesday firefighters would be on full alert on Saturday.

“We’re in a full state of heightened awareness for that day, not only because of the weather, but because of the activities,” Kane said, adding that several patrols would be roaming the area throughout the weekend.

The same is true in Glendale, where firefighters will keep a close eye on potential fire hazards in and around the city.

“(Glendale fire) will have fire patrol units on duty in the evening to monitor the public in the wild-land interface areas and to address any concerns as it relates to fireworks and fires,” said Glendale Fire spokeswoman Brandy Villanueva.

Stephanie English, a spokeswoman for the Los Angeles County Fire Department, said Monday the department plans to augment its staff over the holiday weekend, employing the use of five-engine strike teams that could respond jointly and quickly to area incidents and extra helicopters staged in various locations.

While fireworks are illegal in La Cañada Flintridge, Glendale and all unincorporated areas in Los Angeles County, areas where fireworks shows and events are planned will also be staffed to prevent fire outbreaks, English said.

“All fireworks shows will have fire inspectors, so if anything does go wrong, we have folks on scene who can respond right away,” she said.

In a news release issued Tuesday, State Fire Marshal Tonya Hoover advised residents to take special precautions to avoid fires over the holiday weekend. Last year, 300 fires caused by fireworks broke out across California.

Fines for the possession or use of fireworks, such as bottle rockets, sky rockets, Roman candles and firecrackers range up to $50,000 and punishment may include prison or jail time up to one year, the release stated.

Fire officials had inspected 3,203 parcels citywide, out of a total of 4,317 that require inspection, as of mid-June, Villanueva said.

Of the parcels already inspected, officials found areas for improvement on 158 of them. They’ll need to be reinspected before they’re cleared.

The clearing deadline is based on when the property was initially inspected, she added.

So far this year in La Cañada, the fire department has received 22 calls regarding fires occurring inside city limits, according to English.

In addition to five structure fires, there were six mobile property fires, one natural vegetation fire — a 90-square-foot blaze that broke out June 25 near Verdugo Hills Hospital and was quickly extinguished — five outside rubbish fires, one special outside fire and four fires falling into the category “other.”

To prevent further outbreaks in the coming dry summer months, firefighters inspected local properties in search of dry brush and other potential fire hazards that were to have been cleared by June 30.

English said Station No. 82 inspected 486 properties in May, delivering 68 notices for correction, while Station No. 19 notified 16 property owners of potential violations observed from among 456 inspections.

Kane said firefighters call dry weeds and tall grasses “light flashy fuels,” because they can burn and spread quickly once ignited. Low branches and ornamental vegetation often seen on hillsides are called “ladder fuels” as they cause blazes to climb to higher elevations.

The area’s current drought conditions make matters worse, Kane added, because typically green lawns are now dry and, hence, more flammable. Whether it’s Fourth of July fireworks, cookouts or just everyday living, he advised all residents remain alert to potential fire dangers.

“It’s going to be hot. It’s going to be dry. The brush is ready to ignite and spread quickly with very little ignition source,” Kane said. “If something should happen, don’t hesitate to call right away.”

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Sara Cardine, Times Community News

Twitter: @SaraCardine

Alene Tchekmedyian, Times Community News

Twitter: @atchek