Despite predictions of heavy rainfall this winter during El Niño, Malibu residents should be vigilant in preparation about potential blazes in the upcoming fire season, according to experts.
Although firefighters now consider fire season in Southern California to be year-round, the most dangerous months stretch from October through December because of the hot and dry Santa Ana winds, compounding the effects of the continuing drought.
Fire defense
According to the Los Angeles County Fire Department’s (LACoFD) fire preparedness program “Ready! Set! Go!,” a defensible home is one that complies with the LACoFD’s brush clearance requirements and fuel modification program.
The LACoFD recommends creating a defensive space that extends 100 feet from the home where all flammable vegetation in the first 30 feet is removed. Single trees, ornamental shrubbery or cultivated ground covers are permissible, as long as they are maintained. The remaining outer 70 feet of vegetation should be thinned or removed.
“ … [the space should be] wide enough to prevent direct flame impingement and reduce the amount of radiant heat reaching the structure. The defensible space for each structure varies, depending on the type of vegetation and topography,” the “Ready! Set! Go!” pamphlet read.
In addition to defensible space, the ability of a home to withstand a wildfire also depends on its construction and building materials. Embers from a wildfire will settle in cracks or crevices and accumulate, creating a fire.
“Most homes actually burn before the fire even reaches the property. It’s the embers that burn the house,” Captain Patrick Wilson of LACoFD Station 89 said in a recent wildfire seminar in Malibu.
Roofs, vents and balconies/decks are some of the areas of a home that are particularly vulnerable.
“Homes with wood-shake or shingle roofs are at a higher risk … build your roof or re-roof with fire-resistant materials … All vent openings should be covered with 1/8 inch or smaller metal mesh … Use heavy timber or non-flammable construction material for decks and patio covers,” “Ready! Set! Go!” the pamphlet read.
For additional information on home readiness, visit the LACoFD’s website fire.lacounty.gov.
Evacuation
After creating a defensible home, LACoFD suggests that residents make and rehearse an emergency evacuation plan.
According to the County of Los Angeles Emergency Survival Guide, the first step is to create a family disaster plan that includes meeting locations, communication plans and an emergency supply kit.
The second step is to map out multiple escape routes. Many roads in Malibu are narrow and can often be closed or jammed when there is a fire.
Finally, the last things to go are personal possessions. Important documents, prescription medicine and irreplaceable family items should be among the few items to leave the house, along with essentials like clothing and food.
Residents with pets — especially larger animals such as horses — need additional preparation. For animals such as dogs and cats, microchips are highly recommended, but a tag with contact information attached to a collar is also acceptable. For larger animals, it is important to begin evacuating when an evacuation warning is issued, according to the County of Los Angeles Emergency Survival Guide.
The County of Los Angeles Department of Animal Care and Control has specialized teams and volunteers, such as the Equine Response Team and the Department Animal Rescue Team, on standby to help in evacuation efforts.
Financial readiness
One aspect many homeowners overlook — especially those who are new to the area — is home insurance.
“Homeowners should be re-evaluating their insurance policy every two years because of changes in construction costs and additions to homes,” Mark Ball of Farmer’s Insurance said.
Ball suggested to also add on personal property insurance to protect items inside the household. Renter’s insurance is an option for those who don’t own their home.
A flood insurance policy should also be considered essential for Malibu homeowners.
“When a fire sweeps through, the occurrence of flooding increases exponentially because the vegetation holding the earth has been burned away,” Ball explained.
Looking to the past
The emphasis placed on fire preparation almost wanes after the memory of a recent fire fades, much to the frustration of many fire officials and experts.
“We have brush inspections from January until August, and we find that many people do not comply with our guidelines,” Captain Wilson explained.
Firefighters will try and save as many homes as they can, but will often retreat from homes that are completely unprepared to save valuable resources and to protect the lives of firefighters, according to Captain Wilson.
“If you’ve got good brush clearance and a good defense perimeter, that’s a form of insurance,” Ball said. “Knowing your insurance policy covers your home and personal belongings only adds to your peace of mind. Just be prepared.”