Laguna Beach Fire Chief Asks: Got Space?

LAGUNA BEACH, CA — On Friday, Laguna Beach's fire chief and staff flew over the city to survey the vegetation management zones. That's defensible space, or areas where firefighters can create a zone of containment to defend your home in case of wildfire.

On Friday, the Orange County Coastal fire rating grade was at low, but for firefighters, planning is everything.

The recent Patterson Fire in Winchester reminds us that fire season is here, Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Tony Bommarito said. That fire flared up from a landscaping spark, grew rapidly in the whipping afternoon wind, according to reports.

OCFA offers this bird's eye view to all adjacent fire agencies in Orange County.

Making sure you and your family are ready to "ready, set, go!"is important, however with proper landscaping each resident can take responsibility in reducing fire danger near your home.

• Ready: Take personal responsibility and prepare long before the threat of a wildfire. That's landscaping, and developing your family's action plan.
• Set: Pack your vehicle with your emergency items when told to prepare for wildfire.
• Go: Follow your action plan, listen to firefighters and don't forget your valuables, computer, photos and important documents.

For more information, visit: www.ocfa.org