The images of miles and miles of obliterated homes and stories of the dead and missing in the fires that rage in Los Angeles County are graphic reminders of how wildfires can blaze through a community and the importance of preparedness, Orange County leaders are emphasizing.
In the wake of the loss seen in the Palisades and Eaton fires, local fire chiefs, police, city council members, city officials and volunteer groups are looking at what more they can do to reduce fire risks in their communities.
San Clemente Mayor Steve Knoblock got his council colleagues to support his proposal to organize a citizen brigade to help in the event of emergencies and back up fire and police if necessary.
On Saturday, Jan. 18, an initial team of volunteers cut away brush in some of San Clemente’s most vulnerable areas using power saws and other equipment donated by local businesses.
“We need to be proactive and have volunteers involved,” Knoblock said, adding the brigade will be called Secure Our Canyons and Community. “It’s a two-pronged approach for any local emergency that would back up the Fire Department and the police if needed.”
Knoblock said he also checked with the staff to make sure the city’s water reservoirs were filled to capacity. And, he said he requested a lake in the Bella Colina Golf Course be filled in case more water is needed.
In neighboring Dana Point, City Manager Mike Killebrew emphasized that emergency preparedness is always “top of mind.”
“It’s a key tenet of the city’s strategic plan, so much so that we eliminated contracting for emergency services management, and this past year, the council approved adding an emergency services coordinator position,” Killebrew said.
The person reports to him weekly and runs practice scenarios with city staff. Emergency plans are updated routinely with an eye to what is happening regionally to ensure best practices are being met and what could be updated or improved, he said.
In Laguna Beach, officials…
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