Officials Warn Residents to Prevent Summer Fires

With the hottest summer months approaching, the city wants to avoid a repeat of last year's wildfire in the Foothills by educating the public about fire prevention.

Last year's wildfire, which consumed approximately 15 acres in the Big Dalton Canyon area of the Angeles National Forest, was attributed to a vehicle accident.

But fire officials say most fires can be prevented and said they have methods to keep fires from starting.

Although Glendora does not have a fire department of its own, the city contracts with the Los Angeles County Fire department, along with several other neighboring San Gabriel Valley cities.

The East Regional office includes Claremont, La Verne and San Dimas.

Fire Inspector Thomas Hasan, who works out of Fire Station 151 located at 231 W. Mountain View Avenue, said education and community outreach is an ongoing process for various branches of his department.

"We have groups that go out and train the community, visit schools and give information sessions about everything from fire prevention to how to use a fire extinguisher," said Hasan.

Some tips given by the county fire departmentinclude the installation and constant maintenance of smoke detectors, which should be installed on each level of a home and outside of each sleeping area;

-- Careful disposal of cigarette butts and utilization of large ashtrays;

-- Keeping cooking areas clean of combustibles.

The county fire chief his office's Website advises residents and homeowners to clear bushes around their homes.

Fire officials say that most accidents can be prevented by keeping tree branches clear from electrical lines, clearing leaves or pine needles off roofs or gutters, not leaving open containers of flammable objects lying around, and having an ABC rated fire extinguisher available at all times.

For more fire prevention tips and information, residents may visit www.lafirecounty.gov