Traffic on Sunset Unbearable Since Fire
We have all experienced the surge in traffic in Brentwood since the Palisades Fire. Because of the complete closure of PCH from the Palisades to Malibu, residents, employees, and visitors to the Westside have no choice but to take the 405 to the 101 to get to the Valley. This increase in the number of cars, coupled with WAZE sending cars down side streets to Sunset to access the 405, has resulted in horrific traffic that renders our streets impassable.
In addition, while the City has required ALL fire debris removal trucks to access the 10 freeway using PCH from the Palisades, private companies are not following those instructions. (Flat beds carrying burned out cars are not required to use PCH to the 10.) Lack of enforcement has resulted in trucks carrying debris using Sunset Blvd in direct violation of the haul route guidelines. More needs to be done to mitigate this traffic impact from the fire and deserves immediate attention as part of the recovery effort. BHA is working with the responsible City agencies as well as our elected officials to address this problem. If you would like to lend your voice as well, please feel free to reach out directly to Mayor Bass, Supervisor Horvath and Councilwoman Park and share your thoughts and experienceson this issue. (Websites with email addresses for all of our elected officials can be found on our website on the Resources tab.)
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Recap of Excellent Presentation from 2.18.25
Dr. Jon Keeley, a renowned fire ecology expert with the U.S. Geological Survey as well as UCLA, gave a compelling, data-driven presentation on the causes of recent fires and steps we can take to mitigate future fire-related destruction. Key takeaways included: -
Wind blowing embers determined the Palisades fire, not fuel management. The destructive nature of the fire was from the ember-driven spread, rather than the age of the vegetation, and that fuel treatments may not be the most effective solution.
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Have had severe Santa Ana conditions in the past without fires. Difference is that fires are now started by human ignition. The primary source in Southern California for Santa Ana Wind Driven fires is power line failures. Second is arson.
- High-density housing significantly increases fire risk, as fires can easily spread between closely spaced structures. Planning and density is a very important issue in high fire zones.
- Population growth is likely to be a more important threat than climate change. The most destructive fires have occurred this year in large part due to the fact there are more people on the landscape.
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Most homes burn due to embers rather than direct flames, so focusing on preventing ember entry is crucial. Removing dry leaves and branches on roofs, making sure dry branches or wood fences are not near home (within zone 0), installing fine mesh eve on all vents, and installing double-pane windows make a difference.
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Defensible space, especially the five feet around a home, is critical for providing a safe environment without continuous fuels so that firefighters can stay and protect the home. Recommends minimal vegetation, and spacing plants further out to prevent fire spread. Certain trees may help protect homes by catching embers, contrary to some conventional wisdom.
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Need to eliminate ALL potential human ignitions during Red Flag Days: powerlines (underground them or temporarily power off), arson (watch patrols), power equipment (restriction on use) and debris burning (restrictions).
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Resources for Members on Protecting Our Homes
FireSafe Brentwood is working on compiling a list of resources and links to help our members put into practice the information shared by Dr. Keeley and other experts. Until then, please check out what is currently on our website and in our email updates (found under Resources on our website).
MySafe:LA Meeting Next Week on Home Retrofitting
MySafe:LA will be focusing on home hardening and defensible space at their next meeting on Thursday, February 27. For more information, go to their website or email them at info@mysafela.org. Be sure to sign up for their email updates.
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