Putting Out Illegal Campfires
This Fourth of July marks one of 5he driest winters in recent memory. The 1987 fire season has already been underscored by the $18-million Pebble Beach brush fire caused by an illegal campfire.
Here in the Southland, the brush is already crispy dry. Yet, during my daily morning run, I have had to extinguish more and more smoldering campfires left along hiking trails. They are usually surrounded by lots of beer cans and broken bottles.
If you’re thinking about getting whacked out around a campfire in one of our canyons, you’d better think again. They are now being patrolled, according to Kevin Turner, Orange County wild land fire defense planner. You run the risk of a $1,000 fine if you’re caught. If your fire gets away from you--we frequently get sudden Santa Ana winds in our area--you may be liable for fire suppression costs.
I like my family, my animals and my home. I have some really terrific neighbors, too. Please don’t endanger us with your campfires.
JIM SILL
Modjeska Canyon
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