Tag: fire prevention

MALIBU—On July 8, the city of Malibu announced its inclusion in California’s 2026 Fire Risk Reduction Community List (FRRCL), awarded by the Board of Forestry & Fire Protection of the state of California.

Malibu was recognized for its dedication to reducing wildfire risk, and creating safer environments for wildlife, residents, and vegetation through its fire planning and prevention strategies. This list, which includes 41 other committed California cities, took effect on July 1, 2026, and will remain active until July 1, 2028.

To showcase the dedication Malibu has taken in protecting its community against wildfires, Malibu presented its After-Action Review (AAR), specific to Malibu’s wildfire operations, to the Malibu City Council on March 9, 2026, and to the Public Safety Commission Meeting on April 1, 2026.

Malibu’s AAR consists of 10 major focus categories, all of which provide recommendations to improve emergency response and operations. As listed in Malibu’s AAR, the 10 major focus categories are:

Preparedness, ECO & Incident Management, Government & Policy, Operational Coordination, Communication, Community Evacuation, Emergency Public Information, Technology, Emergency Purchasing Process, and Workforce & Staff Sustainability.

Malibu has already begun implementing the strategies presented in their AAR as early as June. On June 27, 2026, the city announced the Merlin Circuit Undergrounding, which is covered in the Communication category of the AAR.

As stated in the cities announcement, with FRRCL recognition comes its own set of advantages and priorities from organizations such as CAL FIRE, including access to fire prevention grants, state funds, and potential lower insurance costs for Malibu homeowners.

To read Malibu’s AAR, visit https://malibucity.org/DocumentCenter/View/37295/FINAL_-PUBLIC_Malibu-AAR_-2526

To read Malibu’s Merlin Circuit Undergrounding, visit https://www.malibucity.org/m/newsflash/Home/Detail/2104

To read more on FRRCL, visit https://bof.fire.ca.gov/projects-and-programs/fire-risk-reduction-community-list/

By Megan Hanson

MALIBU—On June 8, the city of Malibu provided an update on its annual Weed Abatement Program reminding the public to be proactive and remove weeds, vegetation, and other combustible vegetation that my serve as fuel during California’s wildfire season. Malibu employees have been weed eating and removing small branches, and debris akin to kindling from the city’s right of ways and are encouraging residents to do the same. Information was sent out to area residents regarding fire prevention and what needs to be done to lower the risks of fire during wildfire season (October-December) in a flyer. “The good news is, Malibu doesn’t have to be caught off guard. We know what time of year Red Flag fire conditions occur. Each year, Malibu experiences 7-8 Red Flag Fire events between October 1 and December 31, totaling 14-18 days of increased wildfire risk. Red Flag conditions are declared by the National Weather Service when humidity drops to 15% or less, and sustained winds reach 25 MPH or more for at least six hours, typically during Santa Ana winds,” the city of Malibu stated on its website. By Sharon

TOPANGA CANYON—On April 15, the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority announced that the scheduled burn planned for Friday, April 17, has been postponed. For public safety and unfavorable weather predictions, there will be no burning the rest of April. The next scheduled burn will likely take place a month from now. The public will be given 72-hour notice of any new scheduled burn bans. The same 72-hour rule will apply to future scheduled burn cancellations as well. Reports indicate that in the right environment, scheduled burns can prevent forest fires and wildfires. The negative effects of the combination of wind and arid conditions can outweigh the need to remove the dry undergrowth. In the wrong environment, the underbrush is extremely flammable. Multiple areas in Southern California have deployed goats to eat the brush in steep terrains. Los Angeles County deployed 500 goats in an area of about 35-39 acres in the Sepulveda Basin and Corbin Canyon area. Glendale (Verdugo Park) utilized goats to help clear the area of brush on a hillside in close proximity to residential areas. Pasadena (Arroyo Seco) has 600 goats scheduled to graze on Saturday, April 18. Rancho Palos Verdes began using goats in early April to keep the weeds at bay.   By Sharon

BEVERLY HILLS—On Tuesday, January 14, the city of Beverly Hills posted fire prevention tips at construction sites in the region.

The current wildfire activity across LA County raised significant concerns regarding the safety of construction sites, particularly those with unfinished structures, stacks of lumber, and other combustible materials.

The city wants to remind all contractors, workers, and residents about essential fire prevention measures to keep everyone safe.

Here are some key steps to prevent fires on construction sites:

• Secure and Cover Materials: Use fire-resistant covers or enclosed storage for lumber and other combustible materials.
• Clear Flammable Debris: Regularly remove excess debris and flammable waste to keep the site clean and reduce fire hazards.
• Limit Hot Work: Suspend welding, cutting, or grinding activities when possible, or implement strict fire watch procedures.
• Create Fire Breaks: Clear vegetation and other combustibles around the site perimeter.
• Equip for Fire Safety: Ensure fire extinguishers and suppression equipment are readily available on-site.
• Monitor Alerts: Stay updated on local fire conditions and ensure workers know evacuation plans and emergency contacts.
• Follow Parking Plans: Adhere to the approved off-site vehicle parking plan to ensure access for first responders.

For more details visit www.beverlyhills.org/PermitCenter and call our askBH Hotline at (310) 285-1000.

By Trevor