By Acorn Staff | on August 27, 2022

TINDER—Dry brush throughout Ventura County hillsides like the Simi Valley chaparral above has fire officials concerned. MICHAEL COONS/Acorn Newspapers

As the moisture content of local vegetation drops across the county, fire officials are on alert and urging residents to harden their homes against potential wildfires.

The amount of water contained in local brush serves as an important indicator for fire departments as they work to determine the county’s wildfire threat level. When the level drops to 60%, the fire danger level is deemed “critical” and can result in extreme wildfire behavior.

The current “live fuel moisture” average in Ventura County is 68%, based on tests conducted Aug. 1 by the Ventura County Fire Department. This is slightly higher than the historical average of 67% for this time of year and above the 62% average recorded in 2021.

“We’re on a standard path right now, with our fuel moistures kind of around average of where they are every year,” said VCFD Capt. Brian McGrath, the department’s public information officer.

Some areas of the county, however, are already severely dry, McGrath said. Simi Valley, with a live fuel moisture level of 58%, has already dipped below the critical level. Malibu and Thousand Oaks are not far behind.

The fact that those areas have already reached, or are nearing, the critical zone “is a big concern of ours,” McGrath said, but noted that the department is prepared as it can be for the peak of the fire season.

“We’re already at the highest level of brush fire response right now without what we call augmented staffing,” McGrath said. “When we go to (the red flag level), we’ll augment staffing, adding extra personnel and equipment.”

The lowest averages for live fuel moisture levels typically are reached between September and October.

Fire danger increases dramatically when dry, powerful Santa Ana winds begin gusting and relative humidity drops.

To determine live fuel moisture levels, the Ventura County Fire Department tests the same chamise shrubs in certain areas every month. Chamise, an evergreen that is sensitive to seasonal drought, is one of the most common shrub species found in Southern California.

During the tests, a quarter inch of branch is cut, weighed and then baked in an oven to remove its moisture content. The dried-out cutting is then weighed again to find out how much moisture it had contained.

Dry brush covers a hillside near homes in the Big Sky neighborhood of Simi Valley on Aug. 23. MICHAEL COONS/Acorn Newspapers

When moisture content reaches critical levels, McGrath said his department relies heavily on residents to take preventive measures.

For example, McGrath said, hikers should be sure not to take anything with them that could start a fire. Recreational fire safety guidelines should also be followed, he said.

People also need to be mindful of sparks that can ignite when using equipment for yard work or maintenance, and should have a proper safety plan in place. Clearing brush in the area before grinding or welding is imperative, he said.

The fact that outdoor watering restrictions are in place due to drought conditions does worry the fire department a bit, McGrath said.

“People’s grass being dead isn’t a huge concern. As long as it’s cut short, it’s OK,” he said. “What gives us more concern is the larger bushes next to homes that have dead material within or underneath them.”

Creating a defensible space around your home “is your responsibility,” said Dani Brusius, a Ventura County Master Gardener and sustainable landscape expert who regularly teaches fire-smart and water-wise gardening classes.

Dry brush covers a hillside near homes in the Big Sky neighborhood of Simi Valley on Aug. 23. MICHAEL COONS/Acorn Newspapers

Brusius advised residents to create what CalFire calls a “Zero Zone,” a 5-foot defensible space buffer around their home that is devoid of plants and anything else that can burn.

Does the fire department expect it to be a tough fire season this year? McGrath said that depends.

“If people are diligent and take care of themselves and their properties and do not do things to create these fires, the season will be easier for us,” he said.

In the last two weeks, there have been two fires in the Thousand Oaks area, “but we were able to jump on them really quick and keep them less than 5 acres each,” he said.

For notifications about fires and evacuations, residents are encouraged to sign up at readyventuracounty.org/vc-alert

The fire department also has emergency preparation guides available at vcfd.org/public-info/ ready-set-go

For information on how to create a fire defensible space around a home, go to tinyurl.com/calfiredefend

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