Fire danger levels across the Angeles National Forest and San Gabriel Mountains National Monument are being raised to “extreme” this month by fire officials.
As fire officials expect an increase of wildfires in areas such as the Angeles National Forest and San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, which is approximately 30 to 38 miles from Santa Clarita, restrictions have been set by fire officials to reduce future fires.
“Fuel moistures on the forest are very dry, this condition combined with high temperatures support rapid fire spread,” Angeles Forest Fire Chief Robert Garcia said. “By restricting the use of fire throughout the forest, and increasing staffing levels, the objective is to reduce the potential of a catastrophic wildfire starting.”
The Forest Service agency is the largest forestry research organization in the world as it oversees 193 million acres of public land, according to officials.
“Those same lands provide 20 percent of the nation’s clean water supply, a value estimated at $7.2 billion per year,” officials said.
Restrictions include:
- Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire, throughout the national forest and national monument.
- Smoking. There is no smoking allowed anywhere in the forest.
- Welding, or operating an acetylene or other torch with open flame.
- Discharging a firearm, air rifle, or gas gun, except in the authorized public shooting ranges. A person with a valid permit for the Forest Service or hunting with a valid California hunting license may discharge a firearm according to their permit or license.
- All previous restrictions apply.
In recent Twitter posts using #WeatherReady, the National Weather Service added preparation tips for wildfires.
As wildfires spread quickly, residents in Santa Clarita can prepare in their homes by having an evacuation plan by setting multiple exit strategies around their house.
Residents can carry an emergency supply kit which should include water, food, flashlights, batteries and other useful resources, according to officials.
Individuals can prepare by ensuring flammable materials such as brush and vegetation is cleared away from property of their homes of about 30 feet, and 50 feet near high hazard areas, according to officials.
As all residents need to take part in reducing damage to their house in a fire, be sure to keep stacked wood and propane tanks at least 30 feet away from structures such as garages and sheds, according to officials.
Around yard areas, families should ensure dry weeds and grass have been cut before noon to prevent a fire when using metal tools and keep trees and branches four feet away from power lines, according to officials
As families may hold tools inside garages, it is suggested to hold a fire extinguisher, add weather stripping under and around the doors, have solid doors with self-closing hinges and keep flammable liquids away from igniting sources, according to officials.
A minimum of 10 feet should be cleared across both sides within roadways of access roads to allow two-way traffic and make an easier access for fire and emergency vehicles, according to officials.
Ed. Note: This story by Jessia Lara.
Do you have a news tip? Call us at (661) 298-1220, or send an email to newstip@hometownstation.com. Don’t miss a thing. Get breaking KHTS Santa Clarita News Alerts delivered right to your inbox. Report a typo or error, email Corrections@hometownstation.com
KHTS FM 98.1 and AM 1220 is Santa Clarita’s only local radio station. KHTS mixes in a combination of news, traffic, sports, and features along with your favorite adult contemporary hits. Santa Clarita news and features are delivered throughout the day over our airwaves, on our website and through a variety of social media platforms. Our KHTS national award-winning daily news briefs are now read daily by 34,000+ residents. A vibrant member of the Santa Clarita community, the KHTS broadcast signal reaches all of the Santa Clarita Valley and parts of the high desert communities located in the Antelope Valley. The station streams its talk shows over the web, reaching a potentially worldwide audience. Follow @KHTSRadio on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
No comments:
Post a Comment