Countywide : Fire Danger High; Officials Will Restrict Access

Crews are bracing for the start of fire season Thursday, as warm weather dries out overgrown vegetation from an unusually wet winter and spring.

Orange County fire officials will restrict public access to more than 170,000 acres of open space and wild lands in Orange, Brea, Anaheim, Laguna Beach and unincorporated areas beginning Thursday. They fear a spark from a car or a cigarette butt may trigger a dangerous blaze.

Homes that border the wild lands are particularly vulnerable as grasses twice their normal height dry into tinder.

“We are asking homeowners [anywhere near the open space] to clear away dead grass and tree branches and debris, such as trash, that might easily catch fire,” County Fire Capt. Dan Young said. He recommended cutting dead vegetation at least once a month during the summer.

Residents who get rid of combustible materials have the best chance of preserving their homes and personal safety in a fire, Young said. Well-watered, well-maintained grass and shrubbery provide the best protection.

“People think it’s luck that one house is left standing after a wild fire. I’ve never seen luck have anything to do with it,” Young said.

Though the county has not suffered any serious brush fires this year, Young says the Fire Authority is on alert.

For any fire on open land when conditions are dry, “we send a minimum of four engines, a bulldozer, a water tender, a hand crew and a helicopter,” Young said. When the wind picks up, as many as 11 fire engines, two bulldozers, two water tenders, three hand crews, a helicopter, two fixed-wing aircraft, and a strike team could be dispatched immediately.

On those days, called “red flag” days, fire prevention officers go out looking for fires.

The hazard may be greater this year because the public hasn’t been thinking about fire precautions.

“With the rainy and overcast weather, no one is really thinking about fire season,” said Young. “But grasses have been dying since April, and with hot sun in the last few days, it’s getting dangerous.”

That means hikers, campers, bikers and other nature lovers must stay out of grassy areas until the rainy season begins.

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Fire Prevention Tips

Visitors to wilderness areas should use the following safety precautions:

* Build fires in rings and barbecue pits only

* Don’t smoke, even inside vehicles, in hazardous fire areas

* Do not let children hold or use matches or lighters

* Do not discharge fireworks

Source: Orange County Fire Authority