Heavy rains this past season have produced an incredible crop of weeds, grasses and brush. The preferred term in the fire service is "Hazardous Biomass." And hazardous it is! There is also much more out there to burn this year.
Los Angeles is expecting one of the most severe fire seasons ever. Be extremely careful with fire this summer. For those of you who live in the Mountain Fire District, if you haven't cleared your brush yet, do it now! Don't wait for the Santa Ana Winds to blow.
Also remember that all fireworks are illegal in L.A. City. If you have any stored away, get rid of them. Take them into any fire station for proper disposal. Each year, more than 20,000 fires involving fireworks are reported to U.S. fire departments. The deaths, injuries and property loss are extremely tragic. One bottle rocket can destroy a house in minutes. Several years ago three off duty firefighters were up on top of a house helping a friend install a new roof. They saw a bottle rocket fly and land on a shake roof next door. In the short time that it took for them to climb down, move the ladder next door and grab a garden hose, the entire roof was on fire. The garden hose could not handle the fire and the entire house was destroyed before the fire department could arrive. For a safe Fourth of July, take the family out to see an approved fireworks display. There are numerous locations around the City. For an up to date list of locations, call (213)626-2871 or (818) 786-5170. Fireworks at home are neither safe nor sane.
In addition to increased fire activity in the summer, the Fire Department also responds to an increase in medical calls from hot weather. Heat exhaustion can occur when exercise or heavy work, along with heavy sweating, reduces body fluids and electrolytes to a low level. The elderly are particularly susceptible, but even top notch athletes can be affected when the thermometer rises. Drink plenty of fluids and watch your activity level. In extreme cases, heat exhaustion can turn into heat stroke, which is a life threatening emergency. Take it easy out there this summer.