By Judy TURNER Special to CVW

Crescenta Valley Fire Safe Council

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), October is National Fire Prevention Month and is designated as a time to learn fire safety and prevention.  Since most of La Crescenta is in the newly expanded “high fire hazard” zone by Cal Fire, it is prudent for all residents to be aware of fire prevention actions to protect both your property and lives.  The “New Normal” referred to by Governor Newsom means that fire season is almost year-round in California. Even with the late rains and heavier than normal snow pack, Southern California is still at high risk of wildfires.  Fires are especially dangerous due to our seasonal dry Santa Ana winds, rugged terrain, high housing density, and narrow streets.  But there are things you can do to make your home safer and more likely to be spared from the ravages of a wildfire.   

First consideration is to create “defensible space” around your home.  As property owners, we are responsible for managing the potential fire fuels on our property to minimize the risk of fire.  “Defensible space” refers to the minimizing of fire fuels within 30 feet of your home, providing fire fighters with the best opportunity to protect your property.

Five factors influence wildfire behavior.  The first two we have little control over – weather and topography.  However, you can manage the amount of fuel and vegetation surrounding your home, as well as the structural materials of your home.  The less fuel that is around your home means the smaller the chance it will ignite.  Recent research shows that most homes ignite and burn as a result of wind driven embers, also known as “firebrands.”  The Station Fire in 2009 did not have high winds which spared our area.  Wind-driven embers can be blown for several miles and create new spot fires if they lodge in a location with fuels. 

You should focus on advance preparation to minimize areas near your structures that could be susceptible to embers and fuel ladders that allow a fire to move up from the ground into bushes and trees that abut your home.  A firestorm can blow through a neighborhood and not ignite structures.  But embers can lodge in nooks and crannies and, if there is fuel present, eventually ignite.  They can blow into attics through vent screens or into gutters filled with dried leaves, setting the roof and attic on fire.   Green or live plants can be hiding dead foliage underneath.  Go to the CV Fire Safe Council’s website at www.cvfiresafecouncil.org to see detailed illustrations of areas of your home vulnerable to ember attack.  Most areas needing attention do not require a lot of time or resources to address but need attention BEFORE a fire is in progress.

  udy TURNER