Fire Season Opening Press Conference

Amid the backdrop of the wildland hills of Diamond Bar, Fire Chief Daryl Osby joined representatives from neighboring Southern California fire agencies at a press conference on June 18 to share the outlook of this year's fire season with residents across the region. Agency chiefs shared a sobering message these that a significant amount of dead fuel from the combination of last year's heavy rainfall with this year's normal fuel load has created the exact conditions for a severe wildland fire event. "This year we're expecting an extreme fire season," said Osby. "So it's even more important that all the cooperating partners gather today to not only talk about our challenges, but also to look at efficiencies and the best way to ensure that in the event of a wildland fire that our first responders are able to protect the lives and the property of the citizens here in the southern region of the State."

Among those in attendance were leaders from the United States Forest Service, CAL FIRE, California Emergency Management Agency, Orange County Fire Authority, Santa Barbara County Fire Department, Ventura County Fire Department and Los Angeles City Fire Department, who, along with Osby, took the opportunity to relay important safety information for those most likely to be impacted by the devastating effects of a wildland fire. The"Ready! Set! Go!" (RSG) wildfire action plan was particularly highlighted during the conference. "There's one thing you and your family can control, and that's being ready," said Santa Barbara County Fire Chief Mike Dyer, who discussed the different elements of the RSG plan. "Getting ready means clearing the brush around your home. Getting set means utilizing your plan. And go means when you're told to go, go, don't wait for a formal evacuation plan." To learn more about how you can be more prepared in case of a wildfire using RSG, click here.