By Mary O’KEEFE

With current cool temperatures, including June Gloom (even in May), fire hazard may not be foremost in the minds of residents – but it should be.

The healthy amount of rainfall and mild temperatures in Southern California have been a welcome change after the long years of drought. But that rain has nourished vegetation that will later dry out as the summer temperatures rise and carry into October when the Santa Ana winds are most common.

“Right now you are not going to get long runs [of fires]. You can get starts but they won’t go far,” said Capt. Scott Pugh, Los Angeles County Fire Dept. Station 82.

“Long runs” are when fire is energized, usually by winds and heat.

Pugh added grass is the driest fuel at present. While this “flashy fuel” can still burn it can usually be contained quickly.

“When the rain came [the grass] grew … our heavy vegetation is still moist,” he said.

Although trees and heavy brush currently have some moisture in them, this will change as the temperatures increase becoming deadly fuel for fires. That is why it is important to comply with all brush clearance requirements.

The LACoFD sent out to residents the first abatement notices in February and March. Most residents were to clear their brush by May. At present and in the coming days the fire department will be going with a second notice to those homes whose owners have yet to clear brush from their yards.

“They [should] have it done by now,” Pugh said.

Drones have become an issue for firefighters, especially those using water dropping air support, fighting wildfires or any type of fire.

“We are very concerned about [drones],” Capt. David Scanlan, captain of air operations LACoFD, said in a past interview with CVW. “[Firefighters havve] had to shut down the fire operations. It is a big concern.”

He added that typically the drones are operated by people who are using them recreationally. They want to get photos or video of the fire.

“Primarily, as first responders, we are worried about our air space,” he said.

LACoFD Chief Daryl Osby has advised anyone who owns a drone to visit the www.faa.gov to read the rules and regulations, but during a fire to not fly them at all.

  Mary Okeefe