After a hillside covered in dry vegetation on the left hillside during the rainy season, lighter than average rain, Southern California firefighters reminded residents to be on alert and prepare for summer wildfires.
California has not received “very necessary” rainfall in winter and early spring. It is usually the wettest time in Southern California, said Los Angeles County Fire Chief Prime Minister Anthony Malone. Dried vegetation, especially in the Santa Monica Mountains and the valleys of Santa Clarita and Antelope, is becoming “fuel for wildfires.”
“That’s why we have to stay vigilant and share with our residents and communities, which is why we must share with our residents and communities the importance of being prepared for the inevitable wildfires coming this summer and in the fall when the dangerous Santa Ana winds return,” Malone said.
Southern California is currently facing a possible “important” brush fire, said Ronnie Villanueva, interim fire chief for the Los Angeles Fire Department.
First offensive activity has also risen statewide, according to Brian Marshall, the California Department of Emergency Services fire chief.
“We’re watching these fires. We’re a few days away from the conditions that threaten our homes and create life-threatening expansion attacks, but I can assure you, the mutual aid system is ready to respond to those aid calls,” Marshall said.
So far, more than 2,990 acres of fires have been burning over 90,000 acres so far this year, according to data from Cal Fire. The number of fires this year is up 19% compared to 2,509 fires in 2024, covering around 53,000 acres. Wildfires this year span more than 66,500 acres over the state’s five-year average, with a 3% increase in frequency, data shows.
According to Villanueva, the most effective way to prepare for a wildfire is to create a “defensible space” around your home. He also suggested avoiding mechanical yard work in high winds, removing vegetation within 100 feet of the house and moving the vehicle away from dry grass and brushes.
Officials from five state departments met Friday to discuss community wildfire risk reduction, overall preparation, aircraft and ground crew, said U.S. Forest Service Fire Chief Robert Garcia. Ahead of the July 4 weekend, Garcia stressed that fireworks are prohibited on all public lands.
Marrone also shared his gratitude to the firefighters who fought against the Palisades and Eaton Wildfires earlier this year.
“The fatal and destructive siege of fire in January 2025 is a vivid reminder that we can never disappoint our vigilance,” Marrone said.
Firefighters reminded their families to be ready and listen to evacuation orders. Residents can sign up and receive alerts from their local fire department.
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