Prescribe burn clears 8 acres

The smoke that filtered through the dark clouds hovering above Crescenta Valley early last Friday morning was due to a controlled burn behind Descanso Gardens planned by the Los Angeles County Fire Department, said Don De Young, LACoF Assistant Chief of Air and Wildland Division.

The prescribed burn program targets areas that are particularly sensitive to wildfires. The Descanso land is covered with dry vegetation. Friday’s burn took care of much of that dry fuel that would promote a disastrous wildfire.

“The conditions have to be just right,” said Don De Young of coordinating the event. LACoF Assistant Chief.

Days before the burn the fire camp crews arrived and bulldozed the area to prepare for the prescribed burn. Then it was up to Mother Nature as to if and when the fire would be set.

De Young said it was a perfect day with a slight overcast, no strong winds and a forecast of rain in the following days.

Firefighters and camp crews went to the ridge of the mountain that lies between Descanso Gardens and the Glendale (2) Freeway and started the fire. They watched as the fire moved down the mountain. At first the firefighters were able to control where the smoke was blowing but then a slight wind redirected and much of the black smoke crossed into Crescenta Valley.

On the campus of Crescenta Valley High School, some students during their morning break were well aware of the smoke and fire. Concerns were calmed by teachers and staff who explained it was under control.

“We are just really aware of fires now,” said one student.

Some schools, like Mountain Avenue Elementary, opted to keep their students inside for physical education class during the smoky morning and those training for the Los Angeles Marathon through Students Run LA were told their daily afternoon run at Rosemont Middle School was canceled due to the smoke.

“We had a little wind but the fire was always under control,” said Stephanie English, spokeswoman for LACoF.

By about 1 p.m. the prescribed burn was completed and eight acres were cleared. De Young, who had been a resident of La Cañada for many years, said he knew the area well and knew the value of this type of burn.

He added that if a fire did begin in this area it would now be easier for firefighters to battle, especially if there were winds involved.

“It is real easy for a small fire to become a big one,” he said.