[californiadisasters] O.C.F.A. Flexes Wildfire Muscle

O.C. flexes wildfire muscle, asks public's help

July 23rd, 2012, 5:27 pm · · posted by Pat Brennan, O.C. Register science, environment editor

The array of equipment was formidable: fire-dousing helicopters, hefty-looking emergency-operations trailers, remote, high-definition video feeds from helicopters that can see in the dark.

Orange County firefighters and law-enforcement officials appeared ready for battle during a demonstration for the press Monday at Irvine Lake.

But with vegetation growing ever drier on the county's wild hills, they drove home their message to the public — be ready for wildfire, stay alert for arsonists, and report suspicious activity.

"We're near the origin of the October 2007 Santiago Fire, which burned more than 28,000 acres," Orange County Fire Authority Chief Keith Richter said as he faced cameras at the edge of the lake. "This arson-caused fire was driven by extreme Santa Ana winds that gusted to more than 85 mph."

The fire season to come is expected to be above normal for large fire potential in Southern California mountains and foothills, according to the August to October assessment from the Predictive Services of the National Interagency Fire Center, though normal for much of the rest of the region — although "normal" can still mean large wildfires.

The Orange County Sheriff's Department has stepped up patrols of areas at risk for wildfires, Sheriff Sandra Hutchens told the group, and keeping watch on canyons and brusy areas.

The Sheriff's Department also is keeping an eye on people who have committed arson in the past.

"We are continuing monitoring of identified persons," she told the reporters. "Those are persons who like to start fires, and are a threat to our communities."

She urged Orange County residents to call 911, or the Orange County "Crime Stoppers" hotline at 1-855-TIP-OCCS if they notice anything, or anyone, unusual.

"Trust your instincts," she said. "If something doesn't seem right, or is out of the ordinary, please act and call the tipline," she said. "If you see something, say something."

Orange County Fire Authority officials also urge homeowners to visit their "Ready, Set, Go" web site for tips on preparing for wildfire.

The Fire Authority demonstrated a helicopter that drew in 375 gallons of water through a large hose as it hovered low over Irvine Lake, then emptied it along the lake shore as if attacking a fire.

A Sheriff's Department helicopter also dipped a large bucket-type device dangling below it into the lake, releasing the water over the same lake area.

Firefighters also demonstrated the video feed screen, which can show high-definition pictures from as much as 50 miles away. The system also can show low light and infrared images to hunt for hot spots.

They also showed how they could spray fire-killing foam at high pressure, with a heavier mix to coat homes in the line of fire and a more watery mix for mopping up after fire has passed.

Source: http://sciencedude.ocregister.com/2012/07/23/o-c-flexes-wildfire-muscle-asks-publics-help/174341/

--
Check out http://groups.yahoo.com/group/californiadisasters/
Read my blog at http://eclecticarcania.blogspot.com/
My Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/derkimster
Linkedin profile: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/kim-noyes/9/3a1/2b8
Follow me on Twitter @DisasterKim

__._,_.___

Be sure to check out our Links Section at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/californiadisasters/links
Please join our Discussion Group at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/californiadisasters_discussion/ for topical but extended discussions started here or for less topical but nonetheless relevant messages.

Your email settings: Individual Email|Traditional
Change settings via the Web (Yahoo! ID required)
Change settings via email: Switch delivery to Daily Digest | Switch to Fully Featured
Visit Your Group | Yahoo! Groups Terms of Use | Unsubscribe

__,_._,___