Los Angeles County Fire Chief Daryl Osby speaks during the annual wildfire news conference. Photo by Karen Zarsadiaz-Ige.
by Karen Zarsadiaz-Ige
Los Angeles County Fire Chief Daryl Osby, joined by top officials from other regional fire agencies, shared his forecast on the approaching summer fire season at a news conference in Diamond Bar on June 13.
The news conference was part of the annual Region 1 and Region 6 meeting where chief officers and representatives of various fire agencies discuss current and predicted fire conditions, available resources, and mutual aid response.
In addition to Chief Osby, representatives of the U.S. Forest Service, CAL FIRE, California Office of Emergency Services, Los Angeles City Fire Department, Orange County Fire Authority, San Bernardino County Fire Department, Santa Barbara County Fire Department, Ventura County Fire Department, San Luis Obispo Fire Department and Riverside Fire Department, among others, attended this year’s meeting.
CAL FIRE estimates that 1,900 fires throughout California have scorched over 30,000 acres since Jan. 1—unusually high numbers for this time of year.
“If the recent fire in the Calabasas area is an indication of the upcoming fire season, then it’s critical (for homeowners) to clear brush away from their homes,” said Chief Osby.
One after another, agency representatives warned Southern California residents about intense, volatile fire behavior and large-scale wildfires that could result from extremely dry conditions brought on by the five-year drought.
Authorities stressed the importance of homeowners preparing their families and properties for wildfires, not only by clearing away brush, but also by having a plan in place. They urged residents to utilize the Ready! Set! Go! wildfire action plan.
“We want to emphasize this will be a critical season,” said Chief Michael Moore of the Riverside Fire Department. “We have seen a big change in brush growth. It is higher than previous years … and this could be one of the worst (fire) seasons ever.”
“Residents must be prepared for wildfires as it is part of living in this great state,” CAL FIRE Deputy Director Dave Teter said.
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