Fire Chief Urges Preparation As Wildfires Across State Show Explosive Growth Behavior

California wildfires that have erupted this summer have shown explosive growth speed, prompting Pasadena Fire Chief Chad Augustin to sound the alarm over the escalating threat.

Citing the rapid growth of one blaze—the ongoing Madre Fire, which this month ballooned from 500 to more than 80,000 acres in just four days—Augustin said conditions across the state are primed for fires that escalate rapidly and those factors should command immediate public awareness and preparation.

“Wildfires can move fast, leaving little time to react,” he said.

Augustin said that taking “a few simple steps now can make all the difference,” and urged area residents to:

• Clear 30 feet around your home of dry vegetation and debris.
• Trim tree branches and remove brush under trees.
• Know your evacuation routes and keep a “Go Bag” ready.  Include essentials like water, medications, and important documents.
• Sign up for local emergency alerts, including the PLEAS – Pasadena Local Emergency Alert System.