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FIRE SEASON IS NO LONGER JUST A SEASON...
IT'S YEAR ROUND Let's work together to prevent wildfires
Dry, hot weather and Santa Ana winds are the prime ingredients for wildfires. Gentle winter rains that brought vibrant flowers and green hillsides also resulted in an explosion of mustard and other non-native plants, which are now drying out and increasing the threat of fire. Unfortunately, this year’s rain did little to reduce the effects on vegetation from the prolonged drought in our region, and may have even added more fuel. According to the National Weather Service and CalFire, southern California may face another difficult fire year.
Frequent wildfires are devastating to people, property, and our rare habitats. As a way to help prevent fires, the Irvine Ranch Conservancy, in partnership with the Orange County Fire Authority and the InterCanyon League and Greater Laguna Fire Safe Councils, is implementing a Fire Watch Program during extreme fire danger conditions. Hundreds of volunteers are stationed at strategic locations around the wildlands to deter arsonists and spot fires quickly. "We hope these Fire Watches will provide a high level of visibility and deterrent during Santa Ana winds and Red Flag Warnings,” said Michael O’Connell, executive director of the Irvine Ranch Conservancy. “The wildlands are closed during times of extreme fire hazard. We want to help people understand the threat of fire and to stop dangerous behaviors, especially in high risk areas. Working together with partners is among our best prevention tools." Too-frequent fire is perhaps the greatest long-term threat to the rare and globally-endangered ecosystems on the historic Irvine Ranch. Fire is also a huge hazard for the many human communities built close to nature. By being prepared and working together to prevent wildfire, we not only protect lives and property, but we help ensure these special natural areas will be healthy for future generations. As the Fire Season starts earlier and drags on longer each year, it is critical for land managers, homeowner’s associations and people living near wildlands to come together to prevent wildfires. If your HOA borders the wildlands and would like to partner in this cause please contact Dave Raetz at (714) 508-4763. Fire prevention is a battle that can only be won together --- let’s unite to stop the flames. 
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