News of the Arroyo
Title: | Controlled burn above La Canada Flintridge |
Subtitle: | |
Date: | 2003-03-13 |
Summary: | March 13, 2003 -- County firefighters have ignited a 75-acre controlled burn in the dry hillsides above La Canada Flintridge. |
Author: | JASON KANDEL, STAFF WRITER |
Publication: | Pasadena Star News |
Content: | LA CANADA FLINTRIDGE -- Using a napalm-like jelly, Los Angeles County firefighters today ignited a 75-acre controlled burn in the dry hillside above La Canada Flintridge. After consulting with residents, reading weather forecasts and setting up fire break lines, more than 150 firefighters stood by a two-mile perimeter while a helicopter ignited fires using the jelly-type substance called Alumigel. Used by fire agencies nationwide, Alumigel burns hotter and more persistantly than traditional ground-lighting tools. Firefighters focused on roughly two miles of ridgelines dividing Hay, Beckley and Winery canyons in precipitous terrain between 2,000 and 3,000 feet in elevation. They were clearing dense brush and brambles to reduce the potential for major brushfires during the hot summer and fall months. Firefighters said there was little concern that the fire would get out of control because of relatively high moisture levels in the air and undergrowth. \"We don\'t feel there\'s too much spotting potential,\" said Herbert Spitzer, the assistant chief of the Los Angeles County Fire Department\'s Fire Prevention Bureau. \"Fire crews are on standby just in case.\" The controlled burns come as weather forecasters predicted the chance of rain over the weekend. Sprinkles or light showers could begin Friday afternoon, with rain moving in the area late Saturday. The storm could generate between 1 to 2 inches of rain along the coast and two to five inches in the mountains. Forecasters predicted gusty southwest winds up to 35 mph. Temperatures could range from the 50s to the 60s. |
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