In the midst of dry conditions after a dry winter, Southern California fire managers warned Friday that a season of destructive wildfires is virtually certain.
The warning, which was given at the East Los Angeles headquarters of the L.A. County Fire Department, serves as a sobering reminder of how unending the fire season can seem these days.
L.A. County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone, who assisted in guiding the area through the January wildfires that destroyed thousands of houses, claimed 30 lives, and cost billions of dollars, stated, “We can never let our guard down.”
Another season of devastating fires is inevitable, he said.
After months of no rain, the Los Angeles Fire Department’s temporary chief, Ronnie Villanueva, said his firefighters are once again on high alert for brush fires because there are mounds of dry plants that are ready to be used as kindling.
By removing leaves from roofs, searching beneath decks for dead vegetation, and using weed trimmers, he urged neighbors to make their homes as fire-resistant as possible.
He said, “We just cannot have a fire engine in every driveway.”
As a reminder of their mutual aid pact, the chiefs from fire departments throughout Southern California were surrounded by engines that were green, yellow, white, and red as they talked.
Fire Chief Brian Marshall of the California Office of Emergency Services remarked, “I can guarantee you that these firefighters work as one when 911 calls come in and the fire is burning and there is smoke in the air.”
According to the chiefs, Santa Ana winds will soon return, so residents should prepare their evacuation bags.
Fire Chief Dustin Gardner of Ventura County stated, “We know it’s going to burn.” due to the burning of Southern California.
