Agencies Warn 2014 Could Be Worst Fire Season To Date
PASADENA (CBSLA.com) — Drought conditions and several illegal fireworks busts have local agencies extremely worried about the upcoming fire season.
Climatologists Friday warned that 2014 could be one of the worst fire seasons to date in California.
"The situation is definitely incendiary," Bill Passert of JPL said.
Cal Fire and other local agencies held a 9:15 a.m. news conference in Eaton Canyon to warn residents about the dangers fires pose to homeowners and their properties.
Since January, crews have responded to nearly 1,900 wildfires across the state, including the 2,000-acre Colby Fire which burned in the San Gabriel foothills in January, Cal Fire said.
"The state legislature just approved a budget that includes $90 million additional that will go to fire prevention, fire safety this year," Assemblyman Chris Holden (D-Pasadena) said.
Officials said 95 percent of fires are started by humans and encouraged the public to download the LA County Fire Department's Ready, Set, Go app. It includes simple steps like having a family emergency plans and clearing dry brush around homes.
"Ensure sure your roof is clean, ensure your gutters don't have pine needles and leaves in them," Deputy Chief John Todd said.
Agencies are also worried about illegal fireworks with the dry conditions.
On Thursday, Santa Ana authorities raided a man's garage and discovered approximately $10,000 worth of banned fireworks that were for sale on Craigslist.
The raid was just one of several that have resulted in the seizure of more than 10 tons of illegal fireworks in recent weeks.
For more information about fire prevention and the city's "Ready, Set, Go!" program, visit the Los Angeles Fire Department.
