Panel Backs More Funding for L. A. Fire Department : Services: The $11.6-million plan focuses on better preparation for brush fires, including property inspections and firefighter training.

To better prepare for the next brush fire emergency, a committee of the Los Angeles City Council endorsed a plan Monday to increase Los Angeles Fire Department funding and adopt a law requiring new swimming pools to include hookups for fire hoses.

The five-point plan was submitted to the Public Safety Committee by Fire Chief Donald O. Manning in response to a request by Councilman Marvin Braude that the department investigate ways to better prepare for the next major brush fire.

“After the terrible fires which caused so much loss in Malibu, Laguna Beach, Altadena and other communities, it was imperative that we learn what we were doing right and what we still need to do,” said Braude, chairman of the committee.

The plan, which would cost the city $11.6 million, will be considered next week by the City Council’s Budget and Finance Committee before it is referred to the entire council for final approval.

According to a report by Manning, the Fire Department needs the following:

* $487,000 that was cut from the department in the fiscal 1993-94 year. The money would be used to help inspect properties to make sure landowners are meeting city requirements for brush clearing, Manning said.

* $1.35 million to provide special emergency training for firefighters, such as training to handle hazardous materials. Manning said funding shortages have cut training hours by 73% over the last four years.

* $9.8 million to replace antiquated equipment such as 20-year-old fire engines, ambulances, trucks and aerial ladders.

* A law requiring residents who build new swimming pools to include a curbside fire hose connection that would allow firefighters to drain the pools when other water supplies to fight fires are not available.

* City Council support for state and federal legislation that would provide $15 million to modernize the C-130 aircraft used by the California Air National Guard to fight wildfires and eliminate restrictions to getting federal assistance in the case of a fire disaster.