Prescribed burn clears 8 acres

The smoke that filtered through the dark clouds hovering above La Cañada 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.

De Young explained that the department had been planning this type of burn in the area for a long time in their continuing effort to be proactive against wildfires. 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 De Young of coordinating the event.

Days before the burn fire camp crews arrived and bulldozed the area to prepare it. 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 much of the black smoke into Crescenta Valley.

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

The program has been in effect for several years but many cities have been reluctant to participate; however, with the recent fires, attitudes have changed.

“Now a lot of city councils are allowing us to [do this],” De Young said.

He added that the city of La Cañada Flintridge has been supportive in this effort.

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.