Dear Resident,

Los Angeles County is one of the most beautiful places to live, but for those living in what are called “urban interface areas” it does not come without risks.  Fire is, and always has been, a natural part of this landscape.  Many of us have chosen to live in brush-covered canyons and on hillsides which have historically burned long before homes were built. The fire season is now year-round, requiring firefighters and residents to constantly be on heightened alert for the threat of wildfire.

The Los Angeles County Fire Department takes every precaution to help protect you and your property from wildfire.  In the event of a major wildfire, however, there will simply not be enough fire engines or firefighters to defend every home in the early stages of the incident.  This reality requires you to take personal responsibility for protecting yourself, your family, and your property.

We have published this Ready, Set, Go! Personal Wildfire Action Plan to give you the tips and tools to successfully prepare for a wildfire.  It will give you guidance on retrofitting your home with fire-resistive features.  It will help you create the necessary defensible space around your home.  This publication will help you prepare your home, yourself, and your family so that you can go early, well ahead of a fast-approaching wildfire.

In Los Angeles County, wildfires are often fueled by dry vegetation and driven by hot, dry “Santa Ana” winds, making them extremely dangerous and impossible to control.  However, many residents have built their homes and landscaped without fully understanding the impact that a wildfire could have on them.  Few have adequately prepared their families for a quick evacuation.  Many don’t fully know the potential consequences of choosing to ignore an evacuation order until it is too late. We always recommend that you comply with any evacuation orders resulting from wildfire.

It’s not a question of “if,” but “when” the next major wildfire will occur in Los Angeles County.  That’s why the most important person in protecting your life and property is not the firefighter, but yourself.  Through advance planning and preparation, we can all be ready for the next wildfire.  I hope that you find the tips included in this publication helpful in creating heightened situational awareness and a more fire-safe environment for you and your family.  For more information, navigate this page, or call our Public Information Office at (323) 881-2411.

Stay safe,

P. Michael Freeman
Los Angeles County Fire Chief