Officials Promoting Fire Safety Effort

The chance to live near scenic wilderness areas has been a big draw for homeowners, fueling South County’s growth, officials agree. But that proximity also has the potential for disaster, said Fire Capt. Joseph D. Lowe, a Mission Viejo City Council member.

“There is a fire hazard where native vegetation bumps into our fast-growing rural communities,� Lowe said. “Collectively, we need to come up with ways to get the fire-safe message out.�

To help prevent a tragedy from occurring, Lowe and Mission Viejo officials hope to persuade all South County cities to join a state program called the Fire Safe Council.

The program teaches homeowners how to minimize the risk of a major brush fire and also promotes fire prevention measures in all populated areas.

Laguna Beach, Lake Forest and Laguna Niguel have already expressed interest, and Mission Viejo officials say they will be contacting other city officials personally to encourage them to join the effort. “Our intention is to form a South County chapter� of the Fire Safe Council, said JoAnne Corey, Mission Viejo administrator. “Right now, we’re still in the infancy stage.�

Work has already started in Mission Viejo, where a cable TV program called “Fire Safe, Inside and Out� has aired on a local-access channel for the past month.

Plans include distributing fire prevention tip sheets with residents’ water bills and conducting a Fire Safe Cleanup Day, where residents can haul yard waste such as leaves and grass clippings to a central site for free instead of paying to take it to a landfill. Information: (714) 470-3000.

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Considering the Flame

Growth near South County’s wilderness areas has fanned concerns about the potential for wildfires to consume homes and businesses. Here are some safety tips to help prevent disaster:

AROUND HOME AND WORK

* Keep native vegetation cleared at least 100 feet from structures.

* Landscape using fire-resistant plants.

* Make sure street names and numbers are marked clearly so firefighters can find addresses easily.

* Clear all tree branches within 10 feet of chimneys.

INDOORS

* Conduct regular fire safety checks, looking closely for frayed wiring as well as how and where flammable products are stored.

* Check fire detectors regularly and replace batteries often.

* Keep an eye out for hazardous materials; dispose of them properly.

* Create an evacuation plan.

IN RECREATION AREAS

* When you finish with fires or barbecues, dispose of hot coals in proper receptacles, usually marked at public beaches and picnic grounds.

* When lighting coals for a barbecue, use an approved lighter fluid; never use gasoline.

* Don’t add fuel to a fire after it has been started.

* Never light a barbecue grill closer than 10 feet to any structure.

* Keep matches in a container with a tight lid; keep them separate from the flammable liquid.

* Never light a candle, heating stove or fuel-burning lantern in or near a tent.

* Avoid sleeping next to a campfire; sparks may ignite your sleeping bag.

Sources: Huntington Beach Fire Department, Orange County Fire Authority; Researched by DEBRA CANO and FRANK MESSINA / For The Times