Firefighters Offer Readiness Seminar

The Los Angeles County Fire Department, mindful of the widespread destruction brought by last year’s wildfires, is planning a special seminar to educate area homeowners on steps they can take to protect their property.

At the first-of-its-kind seminar, firefighters will demonstrate equipment available to defend residents’ homes from heat and flames.

“After the firestorm, the whole industry and fire-protection service mind-set has changed,” Fire Inspector Michael Chuck said. “This is the first time we’ve shown the public what’s available.”

The expo, on Oct. 15 in the Agoura Hills City Hall parking lot, will be free and will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For information, call the Fire Department at (213) 881-2411.

The department will still hold to its policy of evacuating residents in cases in which out-of-control fires threaten lives, Chuck said. The new emphasis, he said, is on helping homeowners better prepare their residences against fire before they are forced to evacuate.

One example, he said, is special heat resistant blankets that can be draped over residences.

Automatic sprinkler systems, which can be laced with a special foam to make them more effective, are available, he said. There also are special pumps that draw water from swimming pools to fight flames for situations in which firefighters are unable to get their equipment into out-of-the-way places.

Perhaps the most effective technique, according to fire officials, is clearing all brush and combustible materials within a 30-foot radius of residences.

“Without that defensible space--even if you have a fire engine sitting in your driveway--they are not going to be able to protect your house,” Chuck said. Residences with a 30-foot cleared space “have a 96% chance of surviving the wildfire.”

Meanwhile, officials warn homeowners not to be complacent--especially those who live in areas that were spared.

“We were extremely fortunate (in Agoura Hills)” said Scott Brewer, director of the city’s Disaster Response Team. “But what that means is we have another year’s growth on the vegetation on our hillsides. We are even more primed now.”