[californiadisasters] [LAFD] Current Fire Weather & Your LAFD

   Please refer to LAFD.org/blog for updated information...

LOS ANGELES - Forecast models have been consistently advertising what looks to be one of the strongest Santa Ana events thus far this fall season. Gusty northeasterly winds (up to 45 MPH) and single digit relative humidity should bring a period of critical fire weather conditions to portions of Los Angeles. Tonight, winds are expected to sharply increase, peak Friday, and remaining through Saturday. Unfortunately, overnight humidity recoveries will not help much and are expected to be poor.

These conditions including strong winds and dry fuels greatly compound wildfire danger. We therefore ask residents - especially those in foothill and wild-land communities to ensure proper brush clearance, use caution.

Those living near flammable vegetation should, remain vigilant to the possibility of brush or structure fires, and heed the following six simple wind safety tips:

1. Report nearby smoke and flames immediately to 9-1-1.
2. Be watchful of toppling trees and wind-blown debris.
3. Treat all non-functioning traffic signals as a four way stop.
4. Minimize the use of candles, lighters, fire pits, barbecues, and spark producing equipment.
5. Secure household items, such as outdoor furniture.
6. If you encounter downed wires, assume they are energized & contact 9-1-1.

These winds could make travel difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. If you must get behind the wheel, Los Angeles Firefighters remind you: "Heads Up, Easy on the Throttle and Expect the Unexpected!"

LAFD officials keep a close eye on not only predicted wind speed and direction, but high temperatures, dead fuel moisture readings, low relative humidity, along with historical data, EVERY DAY.

These current predicted weather conditions prompted the LAFD to pre-deploy additional Firefighters and apparatus to various strategic areas of the City. These resources are then used to augment the initial assignment dispatched to reported fires, thereby giving the Incident Commander a greater Firefighting force immediately upon arriving on scene.

Starting at 8:00 PM on Wednesday, October 24, 2012 for a period of 12 hours, the following resources will be additionally staffed:

-Ten Fire Engines – These already fully equipped "Ready Reserve" Engines will remain at their respective stations (the last 2 numbers). E401, 435, 447, 450, 469, 473, 474, 475, 492 and 496.

-Ten Brush Patrols – These 4-wheel drive vehicles, equipped with a water-tank and hose, will also remain at their respective stations. BP8, 19, 41, 44, 47, 74, 78, 84, 98, 109.

-One additional Bull Dozer Team (3 members).

-Staff Water Tenders 77 and 88 (4 members).

-Staff all Battalions with Emergency Incident Technicians (1 Staff Assistant).
-One Metro Fire Communications Dispatcher.
-One Air Ops HLCO Officer.
-Community (CERT) Fire Patrols activated (1) coordinator.

The following Fire Engines will be pre-deployed from Task Force Fire Stations through out the City to needed critical brush areas, based on fire experience, and area access. The districts served below are approximate...

E03 to FS24 - Proudly serving Sunland, Shadow Hills and Lake View Terrace.

E10 to FS28 - Proudly serving Porter Ranch.

E11 to FS71 - Proudly serving Bel Air, Beverly Glen and the Eastern UCLA Campus.

E15 to FS77 - Proudly serving Sun Valley, Shadow Hills and La Tuna Canyon.

E26 to FS83 - Proudly serving Encino.

E29 to FS106 - Proudly serving West Hills, Chatsworth Lake and Canoga Park.

E33 to FS97 - Proudly serving Laurel Canyon and Mulholland Drive.

E61 to FS91 - Proudly serving Sylmar and the northeast City of San Fernando.

E63 to FS99 - Proudly serving Beverly Glen and Mulholland Drive.

E64 to FS84 - Proudly serving Woodland Hills and Warner Center.

E94 to FS109 - Proudly serving the Encino Hills.

The City of Los Angeles has declared a "Red Flag Alert" will be in effect starting 8:00 AM on October 25, 2012, and will remain in effect until further notice.

A "Red Flag Alert" is called when the wind speed is 25 miles per hour or more and the relative humidity is 15% or less. As mentioned previously, history has proven that a combination of strong winds, low humidity and warm temperatures will create explosive fire growth potential.

For this reason, parking restrictions may exist on certain narrow streets in brush areas during "Red Flag Alert" conditions. To determine current Red Flag Alert Parking Restrictions within the City of Los Angeles, please call 3-1-1 or visit:

LAFD.org/RedFlag

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman 

 

"Serving with Courage, Integrity and Pride"

Public Service Officer

Emergency Public Information (EPI) Center 
Los Angeles Fire Department
500 East Temple Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012

213.576.8938

Home Page:  LAFD.org 

News & Info: LAFD.org/blog

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