When Fire Hits Home

Fire officials warn that the ingredients of a big fire could come together this summer and threaten houses close to brush-covered hillsides and savannas.

The winter rains may have halted the drought, but they produced a bumper crop of tall grass that will turn to volatile fuel as it dries in the summer sun. A plant disease called dieback has killed acres of brush in recent years, increasing the fire danger.

A combination of conditions increases the chances of a dangerous brush fire occurring: winds above 20 m.p.h., relative humidity below 30% and moisture content lower than 6% in the fuel.

If a brush fire is approaching, you should be prepared to flee as well as fight. In both cases, preparation is the key, fire officials say. * Clear brush from area surrounding property. State law requires residents to keep flammable vegetation cleared for 30 feet away from structures.

* Trim or remove tree limbs near house and remove leaves from roof and gutters.

* Keep wood piles away from buildings.

* Cover chimney with half-inch steel mesh to prevent sparks from igniting roof or brush.

Before Firefighters Arrive . . .

* Back car into garage for quick escape; close car windows.

* Have predetermined, practiced escape routes.

* Be prepared to open garage door manually if electricity goes out.

* Place valuables and documents, including videos and photo albums, in car.

* Have pets ready to go.

Defending Your House . . .

* Place non-combustible ladder against house for roof access.

* Attach 100-foot hose to spigot.

* Close doors and windows, seal attic and basement vents.

* Remove sheer window curtains, close heavy curtains.

* Store combustible materials, such as patio furniture, in garage.

* Fill large trash cans with water and place around house. Have sponges, small rugs or burlap sacks around to dip into water and extinguish spot flames.

* Turn off propane tanks.

* Leave lights on in house. Heavy smoke makes house dark.

* Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, gloves, a dampened bandanna and goggles if available.

* Wet roof with garden hose only when fire comes to within 600 feet, then get down from roof.

Fire at Your Doorstep

* If the fire is moving swiftly, it may be safer to stay in your house rather than try to outrun it. The fire front may move so quickly that it could pass by the house. If the roof catches fire, get in your car, pull into driveway and turn on air conditioning. Stay put. That’s safer than driving through smoke and heat.

And After the Fire Passes . . .

* With a garden hose, barrels of water and damp rugs, extinguish small spot fires on roof and around house. Keep doors and windows closed. Maintain a four-hour vigil around house, checking that no embers have gotten into attic or under the eaves.

Cover chimney with half-inch steel mesh to prevent sparks from igniting roof or brush. Trim or remove tree limbs near house and remove leaves from roof and gutters. Keep woodpiles aweay from buildings. Clear brush from area surrounding property. State law requires residents to keep flammable vegetation cleared for 30 feet away from structures. Sources: Los Angeles City Fire Department, Los Angeles County Fire Department