Lower than normal precipitation has increased fire danger making brush clearance a vital component in fire prevention, announced Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich.
In response to a series of recommendations made by the Los Angeles County Fire Department, the United States Forest Service has agreed to expand brush clearance requirements.
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The U.S. Forest Service’s Pacific Southwest Region has increased the minimum requirement around structures and adjacent to national forest from 30 feet to 100 feet. Additionally, they designated 300 feet of defensible space around the communications infrastructures at the Mt. Wilson observatory.
In wake of the 2009 Station Fire, the Los Angeles County Fire Department conducted an investigation into the Forest Service’s response and made recommendations to improve outcomes in future incidents. Previously, the U.S. Forest Service eliminated restrictions on night-flying helicopters and agreed to allow the use of the CL-415 SuperScoopers if needed.
“Meeting these brush clearance requirements are especially important this season since the Los Angeles County Fire Department is concerned with the lack of rain this year,” said Antonovich. “It is essential that we take as many precautionary measures as possible to prevent another Station Fire.”