Author: Norm Walker

As the Town Crier previously reported, Edwina Scott retired from the executive director position with Mountain Communities Fire Safe Council. After several interviews, the board of directors is pleased to announce the hiring of Kathy Wilson (from Idyllwild) as the new ED. Also, to help the new ED and Field Supervisor Pete Coy, the board…

This year, as we emerge from a very wet winter (for a welcome change), it’s again time to make sure our property is fire abated. There is low fire danger as of now but that will change very quickly moving forward. Do not let the wet winter lull you into a sense of security when…

For the past year (and every year since 2002), the Mountain Communities Fire Safe Council has been working hard to help members of our community with their fire abatement, and provide education for new residents and weekenders. We also sponsor an all-volunteer group, the Woodies, who provide firewood for those who can’t afford it and…

Spring is presenting itself on our mountain after a very dry winter. Within a couple of weeks, the entire annual grass crop will be cured. Cal Fire is already fighting fires in the low elevations of Riverside County, and both it and the U.S. Forest Service will be up to full wildland fire staffing within…

For the wildland fire agencies, the month of October is statistically the deadliest month for firefighters, and now for the public as well. Live fuel moisture in vegetation declines slowly all summer and usually bottoms in late August. After falling below 60 percent, chaparral burns as if it were dead. Trees pick up and give…

By the time this article is published, the Hill will have more than 90 percent of its inspection compliance with PRC 4291 completed. This is great news for all of us! A number of properties are still being abated through Mountain Communities Fire Safe Council, which is excellent because that’s the reason we’re here. In…