Pasadena Fire Chief Cautions Community About Heightened Wildfire Risks This Season

Pasadena’s Fire Chief has issued a stark warning about the heightened wildfire risks facing the city this summer, citing a combination of hot, dry weather and increased vegetation from recent record rainfall.

“With more fuels, there is more material to burn once a fire starts,” said Fire Chief Chad Augustin in a Sunday interview with Pasadena Now. He emphasized the critical importance of brush clearance in Pasadena this year.

Chief Augustin said hazardous fire conditions are appearing earlier this summer, even with relatively high fuel moistures. As fuels dry out and temperatures rise, conditions become ripe for potentially devastating wildfires.

The Pasadena Fire Department has taken proactive measures to address the elevated threat, he said. By June 1st, firefighters had completed nearly 4,000 residential inspections in high-risk fire zones to ensure properties were as fire-safe as possible.

Chief Augustin announced additional staffing and patrols throughout the week. Fire leadership will continuously evaluate weather conditions to guide increased staffing levels, he said.

The Department is also preparing for an uptick in fire risks due to fireworks over the next two weeks. Dedicated fireworks task forces will be on duty for prevention and enforcement, supplementing regular patrols.

Augustin stressed the importance of resident preparedness, urging every household to assemble a “go bag” with essentials for 24-72 hours. 

“With the mindset that a wildfire will occur may mean the difference between life and death,” he said.

The city has recently implemented a citywide evacuation plan. 

Residents are encouraged to sign up for emergency notification systems like PLEAS, NIXLE, and Map Your Neighborhood to receive timely information during emergencies.

Pasadena has also introduced a modified CERT program called “Prepared Pasadena,” offering essential preparedness training to businesses and community groups. The four-hour curriculum includes evacuation planning. 

Nallely Procopio, the city’s first full-time dedicated Emergency Services Coordinator, developed this program.

Chief Augustin highlighted the Department’s collaboration with neighboring agencies and access to additional resources. Agreements are in place for water-dropping aircraft, hand crews, and dozers from partner Departments if needed.

“I want our community to know that we have secured agreements with all neighboring fire agencies,” Augustin said, emphasizing the importance of mutual aid during large wildfires. He noted that numerous agencies would assist in the event of a large wildfire.

The Fire Department is also working with the state’s Office of Emergency Service to ensure the region has the latest technology for early fire detection. Augustin stressed that early detection is crucial for limiting fire spread.

Despite the heightened risks, the Fire Chief encouraged residents to enjoy their summer safely.

“We are all in this together,” he concluded, underscoring the community’s role in fire prevention.