By Ryan Orr
Daily Press
Copyright 2007 Daily Press
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Business News
SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. — A presentation by the county Fire Department at Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting illustrated why residents should expect a dangerous fire season.
San Bernardino County had 4 inches of rainfall in the last year, the lowest that has been recorded in 130 years.
The High Desert is already feeling the heat with the April 1 Las Flores fire, which scorched more than 1,400 acres in Hesperia and resulted in an evacuation order.
County fire officials are working with the California Department of Forestry to prepare for this year’s fire season. They are implementing open-burning restrictions countywide, starting Monday, and participating in a multi-agency Arson Investigation Program kicking off today.
“I believe there’s not been a safer time to live in San Bernardino County in the last 20 years,” said Peter Brierty, county fire marshal, because of the cooperation between the departments.
All local fire departments are almost fully staffed, all brush engines and patrols are in service and the evacuation plan has been updated, and just in time for fireworks season.
In cooperation with the Sheriff’s Department, the Board of Supervisors initiated an aggressive anti-fireworks program netting over 20 tons of illegal fireworks and making numerous arrests.
Third District Supervisor Dennis Hansberger, who requested the presentation, said he hasn’t seen cooperation between different fire departments like this in the past few years.
“We cannot protect the properties that have not prepared to protect themselves,” Hansberger said.
The Inland Empire Fire Safe Alliance oversees many local community fire-safe councils and holds events such as woodchipper days as well as advocating for weed abatement.
To learn more about creating a sufficient defensible space around your home and for a list of fire prevention tips, go to www.sbcfire.org.