Community Meeting Prepares Residents For Fire

The Murrieta Fire Department played host to a community meeting Wednesday night at the Murrieta Community Center on Juniper Street to educate the public about fire danger, particularly to those residents that live near wildland areas.

"About 50 residents showed up tonight and many of those will take the information and pass it on to their friends and neighbors," said Fire Department Spokesman Matt Corelli. 

Those in attendance included residents of Los Alamos Hills, Greer Ranch, and Bear Creek.

The information provided included Wildland Fire Awareness, Disaster Preparedness, and the steps one can take to protect families and homes.

The local Temprano fire and recent tragedy in Prescott, AZ, were also discussed.

"We don't want to scare anyone, we just want to make people aware,"said fire Chief Matt Shobert. "This year has already been the worst year for fires in many years.  They are fast, they are unpredictable and they are dangerous."

Other speakers from the City of Murrieta included Mayor Rick Gibbs, Councilman Alan Long, Battalion Chief Steve Kean, Disaster Preparation Coordinator Dan Wilson and Corelli.

Topics also included the condition of vegetation, defensible space, evacuation procedures and disaster preparedness. Accompanying the speakers was a slideshow presentation and informational pamphlets were made available. A question-and-answer session concluded the evening.

For those who missed it, here were the top points of the night:

Be Prepared

If there is a fire or earthquake-be prepared-have a kit ready and an evacuation plan.  Make sure to have at least a gallon of water each day for three days for every person in the household. Don't forget your pets! Also, be prepared to leave the home if needed for safety.  Have a rendezvous location.

Wilson suggested having an emergency contact out of state in case of a mass disaster.

Defensible Space

Defensible space is the required space between a structure and a wildland area that, under normal conditions, creates a buffer to slow or halt a wildfire.  It is recommended the first 30 feet from a home or structure be clear of as much fire fuels as possible.  This includes weeds, dead vegetation, wood etc.  The next 70 feet (or to property line) should then be spaced to reduce fire spread. 

The Murrieta Fire Department previously issued a warning of a dangerous, dry fire season this year due to low rainfall levels this past winter and the prior few.

Burn permits in the city have been suspended until further notice.