Officials Urge Residents to Take Fire Weather Precautions

by City News Service

Authorities Monday reminded Southlanders to take common-sense precautions as the 2013 fire season continues, including those living in mountainous areas of Los Angeles County. 

"It's really a year-round process of planning and preparation in Southern California," said Los Angeles County fire Inspector Anthony Akins.

Akins said a critical "live fuel moisture level" has been measured in various areas, indicating the point at which vegetation -- even if alive and growing -- "will burn as if it is dead."

Those critical moisture levels in live vegetation are being encountered about two month ahead of time -- this month rather than in late August or early September, Akins said.

"We've had about half the normal amount of rainfall," he said.

Fire officials from various Southland agencies have been making plans on mutual-aid responses, Akins said.

Residents of neighborhoods near wildland areas should prepare to leave their homes quickly if ordered to do so, he said.

The fire department's "ready, set, go" program, designed to help people make such preparations, may be viewed on the website www.fire.lacounty.gov by clicking on the "safety preparedness" link on the top of the page. Also included are recommendations on brush clearance and various safety tips.