Brush fire season delivers early warning to Conejo Valley

FIRE SEASON ARRIVES-A brush fire darkened local skies last Thursday and kept firefighters busy for several hours. As late as Friday, fire crews were watching the smoldering landscape closely, making sure the blaze wouldn't reignite, a common occurence in Southern California wildfires. HOT AND HARD WORK-Firefighters and hand crews from nearby inmate camps disappear into a cloud of smoke as they work their way up a slope near Potrero Road and Westlake Boulevard to combat a fire that started around 2 p.m. Thurs. July 6 near Lake Sherwood. Contained by Friday, the blaze consumed 168 acres, and required work by more than 400 firefighters, five helicopters and 50 fire engines. FILLING UP-Helicopter picks up water at Westlake Lake to fight last week's brush fires, one near Lake Sherwood and the other near Agoura and Lindero Canyon roads in Los Angeles County. Helicopters are particularly vital in the early battle against fires because they arrive on scene earlier than larger aircraft. Planes carry more water and fire retardant but offer less maneuverability. AERIAL MANEUVERS-Helicopter pilots have plenty to contend with when they're dropping water on brush fires. They must watch out for power and telephone lines, and keep away from other firefighting aircraft. The Lake Sherwood fire provided a chance for departments from Ventura and Los Angeles counties to work as a team. ATTACKING THE FLAMES- From left, Thousand Oaks resident Devin Taladera, 16, and Westlake Village residents Brandon Bignell, 13, and Chad Rutherford, 16, do their part to put out flames from a fire that ignited around 5:20 p.m. Sat., July 8 near Agoura and Lindero Canyon roads. Four helicopters, more than 30 fire engines and about 300 firefighters were able to contain the fire by 7 p.m. It charred about 50 acres of brush on the hillside.