Tag: fire hazards

MALIBU—On Wednesday, October 9, it was announced that as part of Malibu’s wildfire preparedness efforts, the Malibu City Council will be asked to adopt a Resolution declaring the existence of a local emergency and initiating a program for reducing the risk of fires associated with individuals engaged in unpermitted camping at the October 14 Council meeting.

On June 24, the Malibu City Council adopted a Resolution that established criteria for declaring the existence of a local emergency and initiating a program for decreasing the risk of fires associated with individuals engaged in unpermitted camping in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ) and establishing criteria for when to terminate the local emergency.

The criteria for declaring the existence of a local emergency was set at a Live Fuel Moisture (LFM) of 65 percent or less as determined by the Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACoFD) Forestry Division for Santa Monica Mountains Chamise. On September 27, the Los Angeles County Fire Department Forestry Division posted an LFM of 65 percent for Santa Monica Mountains Chamise.

The LFM is the percentage of water content to dry matter in live vegetation. LFM can be as high as 300 percent and is considered critical at 60 percent. It should be noted that large fire growth may still occur with LFM levels as high as 80% if we have substantial wind and lower humidities.

The LACoFD Forestry Division conducts sampling throughout the county approximately every two weeks and posts the results on its website: https://fire.lacounty.gov/fire-weather-danger.

By Trevor

MALIBU—The city of Malibu announced on their website that potential PSPS (Public Safety Power Shutoffs) power outages in multiple neighborhoods in east & west Malibu from Monday, November 20 thru Tuesday, November 21 as a result of hazardous windy fire conditions in order to prevent its equipment from starting a wildfire.

The PSPS warning is for multiple circuits (Galahad, Nicholas & Serra circuits), but they can alter with changing wind patterns. Southern California Edison is notifying customers directly. To obtain more details look up PSPS power outage status at http://www.SCE.com/PSPS. Look up your circuit and map at www.MalibuCity.org/PSPS.

Individuals are being informed to be prepared for potential power outages, fire, evacuations, hazardous road conditions due to branches in the road and malfunctioning traffic signals. Under CA law, come to a complete stop at any malfunctioning traffic signal.
Monitor local news using AM/FM car, solar, handcrank and battery powered radios, which work when the power is out.

All flammable furniture and materials should be moved from the house and people are asked to secure furniture. Check on elderly or disabled neighbors. Seniors, people who rely on wheelchairs, medical devices, or are otherwise not mobile, and owners of horses and large animals should consider leaving the area early. Open garaged doors or electric gates beforehand in case the power goes out.

Malibu has an agreement with SCE to station an SCE Community Resource Crew Vehicle at Malibu Bluffs Park (PCH and Malibu Canyon Road) 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday and Tuesday to allow people to charge devices and get information.

LA County power outage preparedness guide – https://ready.lacounty.gov/power-outage.

See power outage preparedness information: https://ready.lacounty.gov/power-outage.

The city of Malibu is expected to send out emergency alerts as needed and post all emergency information on the website. All current City alerts are posted at www.MalibuCity.org/alerts. Sign up for alerts at www.MalibuCity.org/news (scroll down to “Alert Center”). Sign up for LA County emergency alerts at: https://lacounty.gov/emergency/alert-la.

If evacuations transpire, the city will utilize the Everbridge Disaster Notification System. Most cell and landline phone numbers in Malibu are in the system, but residents and businesses can create a profile at www.MalibuCity.org/DisasterNotifications to change or alter additional contact details.

By Trevor