The Forestry Division’s Fire Plan Unit is in charge of implementing the California Fire Plan in Los Angeles County . The State Board of Forestry and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF) have drafted a comprehensive document for wildland fire protection in California . The planning process defines a level of service measurement, considers assets at risk, incorporates the cooperative inter-dependent relationships of wildland fire protection providers, provides for public stakeholder involvement, and creates a fiscal framework for policy analysis. The County of Los Angeles Fire Department is one of six Contract Counties that maintain a contractual relationship with CDF and utilizes the California Fire Plan within Los Angeles County as the primary wildland fire protection plan.

The most effective way to limit damage and loss due to wildfire is to prevent all but the most blatant ignitions due to arson or unforeseeable circumstances. The focus of the entire Department is on prevention through educational programs, development and enforcement of fire codes and building codes in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, Pre-Fire Planning, Vegetation Management, Brush Clearance, Environmental Review and Fuel Modification Programs. These programs are focused on awareness and mitigation of fire causes, fire spread potential, total costs and effects of fire damage associated with the protection of life, property and the environment. The Department’s Fire Plan Unit coordinates the efforts and activities of these programs with the intent of creating efficient and timely Pre-Fire Management projects.