Spring is presenting itself on our mountain after a very generous winter. Creeks are running and ground water tables are up, so perhaps our mixed-conifer forest will be able to fight off some of the various bark-beetle attacks. Spring is the time to get back to the fire abatement measures that will protect your home…
Over the last several years, the frequent topic of conversation has been the drought and our lack of meaningful rainfall. This winter can now put any complaint about that away for a while. El Niño, La Niña, “Houston, I think we might have missed the trajectory on this one.” And the collateral damage from all…
MCFSC PLANS COMMUNITY MEETING . . . As we start the last month of the year, the landscape around us is going through its annual change that takes place during this time. Leaves have changed color and quickly taken their place on the ground. The telltale smell of wood stoves in the early morning and…
Every year in our country since 1922, Fire Prevention Week has been observed during the month of October. It was established to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Over two days, this fire killed more than 250 people, destroyed more than 17,400 structures and burned more than 2,000 acres. The cause or blame for…
The San Jacinto Mountains Community Wildfire Protection Plan, a document created more than 10 years ago, is about to undergo a much-needed update. The CWPP came about and was authorized by a congressional action back in 2003. The Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 was designed to improve the ability of governmental agencies to conduct…
We are well into our summer season with Memorial Day weekend over, Father’s Day done and by the time you read this, 4th of July festivities in the rear-view mirror. Not to put a damper on all the fun and enjoyment most people get out of this time of year, but let’s recap several fire…
Last month, I talked about fire behavior and how its travel and spread can be reduced around your home. We, the fire community, call this area of enhanced protection “Defensible Space.” This week I want to explain how a wildfire spreads to a home or building in its path. Reducing the amount of combustible vegetation…
As we continue with another Southern California winter, are we all asking, “Where is this El Nino?” Who does not enjoy sitting, relaxing or working on a project outdoors on your deck when great weather is offered up? One thing that is common around the mountain community is the number of homes with decks built…
Volunteerism: There are several definitions of this effort. One is the act or practice of doing volunteer work in community service. Others are the principle of donating time and energy for the benefit of other people in the community as a social responsibility rather than for any financial reward, or the policy or practice of…
As we roll into December, many of us have just enjoyed a Thanksgiving with friends or family, gone to see the annual town tree lighting, awakened to discover a dusting of snow on the ground or trees or noticed the smell of wood stoves in the air again. Everything about the start of the winter…
