Photo By: Ashley Maui Lopez
As temperatures
continue to soar at the end of September, homeowners in the hills are concerned
about possible fire threats from dry vegetation across the canyon.
In 1989, residents
in the Turnbull canyon area suffered the worst damage from a fire that spread
rapidly in the brush, resulting in 13 homes burnt to the ground. Twenty-three
years later, the canyon remains surrounded by sagebrush and several eucalyptus
trees that residents fear could ignite another wildfire.
“All it takes is
one spark and the hills could be up in flames within minutes, especially since
Mondays temperature is said to be 99 degrees,” said homeowner Fern Esperan. “I
try to do my part by keeping my yard watered everyday, but with this heat who
wants to be out in the sun?” she said.
Majority of the
homeowners in the hills are elderly couples with health issues that have been
living in the area for years and they find it difficult to maintain their yard
on a daily basis. Several homeowners are also afraid because their homes are
deteriorating such as old roofing and if a fire would occur their roofs would
definitely catch like a row of firecrackers. Since many are retired they find
it extremely difficult to make repairs with their fixed income and with the
cost of living rising they find themselves even more in a crisis.
“Unfortunately
that’s the price we pay for living up in the hills because we live with an
everyday fear of a fire erupting in our backyard and the possibility of losing
our homes,” said homeowner Jason Matthews.
They may get a
beautiful view of the city but are reminded of possible fire starters just by
looking at the dry brush that resides along the canyon. Many of the acres have
been restored but due to budget cuts the remaining areas will unfortunately
just have to wait until the county can afford the expenses. Turnbull canyon is
approximately 4,000 acres of twisted roads and strenuous trails that is open to
the public for hiking and bicycling throughout the year.
“Every Sunday
morning my husband and I take it upon ourselves to clean up the canyon while on
weekend hikes by bringing a large trash bag,” said resident Cindy Martinez. “It
looks like people have a picnic here on Saturday with all the trash we find,”
she said.
Residents are
concerned the trash left behind from hikers and visitors such as empty food
containers found in the bushes from local food places such as McDonalds and
Starbucks may cause a rapid fire. Many of them have been taking it upon themselves
to clean up the mess to avoid an overload of trash and have shockingly found
cigarette buds along the trails. Immediate safety measures must be taken in
order to avoid another massive fire especially with temperatures rising as we
enter the fall season.
The fire threat
in the canyon is currently moderate to high during this heat wave but by being
aware and taking action if an emergency would occur can put the canyon and
homes at a less risk of being destroyed.
The Los Angeles
County Fire Department, specifically station 17 advises the community to think
ahead and always be prepared incase of a fire or any other emergency.
“Have an initial
meeting place for your family if a fire erupts, the simplest thing you can do
is if you smell smoke get out of there as quick as possible,” said Fire Captain
Rick Dominguez. “Our duty is to save property and the environment but our first
priority is to save lives,” he said.
“Always have a
plan for whatever emergency may happen,” said Fire Specialist Bill Lenzen. “You
have to get out and have an idea of what you might need such as medication and
most importantly know where your kids are and transition quickly for whatever
emergency,” he said.
“Use common sense
during a fire and maintain your living space,” said Firefighter Mike Ertel.
The importance
of residents to be informed is crucial because the chance of a fire occurring is
there and everyone needs a reminder of what actions to take during an emergency
situation.
The fate of
Turnbull canyon and homeowner issues regarding the dry brush remains unknown for
now but the residents that are taking action to help maintain the environment are
making a huge impact in the community. Perhaps in the future more county officials will step up to the plate
and get involved with cleaning up any potential hot spots.
The brave men of Station 17 that keep our community safe, (from left to right) Fire Specialist Bill Lenzen, Fire Captain Rick Dominguez, and Firefighter Mike Ertel.
Photo By: Ashley Maui Lopez
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