Los Angeles, CA – Today, the City’s Public Safety Committee voted unanimously to approve a draft ordinance on wildfire prevention and law enforcement protocols in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. The motion, introduced by Councilmember Bob Blumenfield and seconded by Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez, aims to mitigate the risk of wildfire and improve the City’s ability to prevent trespassing in high fire zones.
August 28, 2019
Press Contact: Tran Le, tran.le@lacity.org, 213-257-0475
DRAFT ORDINANCE ON ENFORCEMENT PROTOCOLS IN HIGH FIRE ZONES MOVES TO FULL CITY COUNCIL
Los Angeles, CA – Today, the City’s Public Safety Committee voted unanimously to approve a draft ordinance that aims to mitigate the risk of wildfires and improve the City’s ability to prevent trespassing in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (Zone). The motion was introduced by Councilmember Bob Blumenfield and seconded by Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez.
“This common sense change closes a gap in our fire code and allows us to be more effective in our enforcement to assure the public’s safety,” said Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez, Chair of the City’s Public Safety Committee. “As a Councilwoman who represents a District that has endured back-to-back wildfires, it is absolutely critical we act thoughtfully to reduce the risk of displacing even more Angelenos.”
Currently the City’s fire code requires the posting of signs every 600 feet. Meeting these posting requirements for the entire Zone is unrealistic and leaves significant portions of the Zone unposted. The proposed rules will allow law enforcement to issue direct notice to trespassers in restricted areas.
“The combination of dry brush, high winds, and low humidity, make wildfires an imminent threat to our hillside communities, and this legislative fix will make it easier to protect the lives and homes of all Angelenos,” said Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez.
“As our year-round fire season continues, this crucial legislation adds an important tool in our firefighters toolbox. High Fire Severity Zones are essentially tinder boxes and we need to make sure LAFD and peace officers can do everything in their power to make sure people are safe and are aware of the dangers of being in these areas, regardless of arbitrary signage. Thanks to Chairwoman Monica Rodriguez for shepherding our motion through committee and I look forward to voting on this in council very soon,” said Councilmember Bob Blumenfield.
Individuals removed from the restricted Zone will be connected to outreach and housing services.
The draft ordinance moves to the full City Council for approval and adoption at a later date. To read the motion and draft ordinance, click here.
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Los Angeles City Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez serves as the City’s Chair of Public Safety and represents the 7th Council District in the Northeast San Fernando Valley which include the neighborhoods of Sylmar, Mission Hills, Pacoima, Lake View Terrace, Sunland, Tujunga, North Hills, Shadow Hills, and La Tuna Canyon.