Brush fire season may be brutal after the driest winter on record
By Sylvie Belmond belmond@theacorn.com

Local fire agencies are ready to fight blazes on a moment's notice, regardless of the season. Every year is unique and brings its own set of weather challenges. This year, fire departments have remained on alert nonstop because of the lack of winter rain.

Only 2.47 inches of rain have fallen this season. March and April are supposed to be the year's wettest months.

Because of unpredictable weather patterns, firefighters are being told to remain ready at all times, said Capt. Barry Parker, a Ventura County Fire Department spokesperson.

Ventura County firefighters recently ditched the traditional fire season model, which starts in June and ends when the rain returns in the fall.

The new one is a year-round concept because of the drought.

The adjusted fire season enables the department to add firefighting staff whenever it's needed and helps ensure that citizens have a heightened awareness that fires can flare up anytime, Parker said.

"Our fire season really doesn't relax until we get 4 or 5 inches of rain," said Inspector Ed Lozano of the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

The 2006-07 winter was very dry, so there have been more red flag alerts, Lozano said. Other experts have said that last winter was the driest on record.

Several large wildfires have already occurred this year. Fire danger exists when humidity is down to single digits, the wind blows at 25 mph or more and fuel moisture is low, Lozano said.

The L.A. County Fire Department also has a wildland pre-attack plan in place, and is always ready to man extra equipment that conditions require, Lozano said.

But when rains are heavy, fire agencies must also be ready: firefighters respond to swift water emergencies and flooding incidents, according to Lozano.

Seasonal changes are less predictable now, but all weather patterns present their own hazards, so residents should always be prepared, said Capt. Daran Vanden Bossche, who is stationed at Moorpark's Station No. 40 and has been with the Ventura County Fire Department for 23 years.

"Everybody, no matter where they live, should maintain some kind of evacuation plan for earthquakes, fires or floods," said Vanden Bossche, noting that weather patterns have changed in the past decade.

Protecting homes

Ventura County has the state's strictest weed abatement laws, said Parker, adding, "We are the model for the state." The official brush clearance deadline is June 1, but fire officials recommend residents start to clear dry brush now, as vegetation is not likely to regrow this late in the season.

"When citizens do weed abatement, firefighters have better opportunities to defend homes," Parker said. Removing weeds and brush decreases the intensity of a fire and slows the blaze down.

Property owners are required to establish and maintain a 100-foot defensible perimeter around structures, but the Ventura County Fire Department strongly suggests residents clear up to 200 feet around structures atop slopes or near brush that hasn't recently burned, as well as those with flammable roofs or where access is limited for fire apparatus.

In addition to clearing dry brush around homes, roads should be kept clear so fire engines can get through quickly. Residents should also make sure tree limbs are trimmed so that firetrucks can gain access to neighborhoods and driveways, Parker said.

Homeowners can also create greenbelts using plants that don't require a lot of water and are somewhat fire-resistant, Parker said. A list of recommended plants is available at the website fire.countyofventura.org/ fireseason/protectyourhome.html.

Firewood should not be stacked near structures, and roofs and rain gutters should be cleared of debris because embers could spark fires, he said.

Fireplaces should have proper screening, and residents should take a look at their window coverings to make sure that they are fire-resistant.

Have a plan and a list

Everyone must be aware of dangerous conditions, said Ventura County Fire Chief Bob Roper. In addition to taking steps to make homes fire-safe, residents should also be prepared to evacuate.

Residents should know what they need to take out of their house if a fire occurs, said Parker. He recommended making a list of irreplaceable things such as photographs and computer CPUs. File cabinets containing important legal documents should be included on the list, he said.

"Jewelry and clothes can be replaced by insurance, but family pictures and the information on your computer can't," Parker said.

When planning for a fire emergency, families are also warned to include provisions for their pets' safe evacuation.