With wildfires on the minds of many residents local and afar, the recent rains in the area have proven a welcomed sight.
Moderate amounts of rain fell throughout large portions of the greater San Diego área on Sunday and Monday, lowering fire concerns to a degree. That said, the threat of fires around the region still must be taken seriously as the calendar gets set to change from January to February at the end of the week.
Mensajero de La Mesa caught up recently via email with Andy McKellar, emergency preparedness coordinator for Heartland Fire & Rescue. HF&R serves the cities of La Mesa, Lemon Grove and El Cajon.
LMC: In light of the terrible Los Angeles fires, what if any extra precautions have you guys been taking to lessen the potential for such fires in La Mesa and the East County area?
McKellar: We prepare for these conditions year-round. We currently have pre-positioned resources in place to respond to any fire within our area and in surrounding areas. Additonally, we have elevated our dispatch to the highest level, which means we are sending additional resources to each fire response due to the potential of rapid spread.
LMC: When were the last notable fires in the La Mesa area due to dry conditions and other such weather issues?
McKellar: There have been no significant fires since the Laguna Fire of 1970, which burned roughly 170,000 acres. This is due to a lot of work done by the City and by being vigilant.
LMC: Unfortunately, we’ve seen some arson involved in the LA fires. What can La Mesa residents do to lessen the chances of that happening here?
McKellar: People are of course aware that arson does occur. The best thing that community members can do is to remain aware and to report anything that looks out of the ordinary, as with any sort of crime.
LMC: What advice do you have for La Mesa homeowners, renters and businessowners when it comes to lessening the fire risk where they live or work around the City?
McKellar: The first, and simplest thing they can do, is to make sure they have working smoke alarms in their homes, something we’ve been promoting for decades. Also, keeping the property clear of dead vegetation and weeds, at least 30 feet around the building, and making sure rain gutters are free of dead leaves and twigs. When doing any landscaping people should consider using fire resistant plants, especially when planting near a building. This information can apply to businesses as well. Lessen any possible ignition sources, such as making sure hot coals are completely cool before placing them into a metal container. Keep a garden hose handy. Properly dispose of Lithium Ion batteries. Businesses are required to follow local fire codes as well. These often mandate the installation of fire sprinkler systems, clearly marked exits, and annual inspections of hand-held fire extinguishers.
LMC: We’ve seen tragic fires in the greater San Diego area in 2003 and 2007. What if any lessons have firefighters and other safety personnel learned from those fires that they use to this day?
McKellar: Collaboration and communication. Ongoing training to respond to large fires. Each year more than 20 first responder agencies in the county hold a joint wildland fire exercise in order to better train personnel. No agency can do this alone, this is what makes collaboration so important.
(Courtesy image)
