Fire Safety Liaisons’ Fire Conditions Update 6/17 Fire Danger Moderate, Cool Foggy Weather, Low Wind

On June 11, the Los Angeles County Fire Department Division of Forestry reported that Live Fuel Moisture (LFM) in the Santa Monica Mountains dropped from 75% to 74% over the previous two weeks. By comparison, LFM was 120% on the same date last year, while the historical average for this time of year is approximately 100%.

LFM measures the amount of water in living vegetation and is a key indicator of wildfire risk. When LFM drops below 80%, large wildfires can develop under favorable fire weather conditions, particularly during wind events. At 60% or lower, vegetation burns much like dead fuel, creating critical fire conditions.

According to the National Weather Service, Malibu will have seasonal cool, foggy conditions around 70 degrees through this Saturday, 6/20, giving us moderate fire danger. In the middle of next week, fire danger may climb to high. Fortunately, strong winds are not in the forecast for the coming week.

Throughout the summer, hot weather will further dry out live vegetation, leading into peak fire season in fall when we usually have the most intense, hot, dry Santa Ana winds and Red Flag days.

Now is the time to prepare. Wildfire readiness is a shared responsibility among residents, responding agencies, and the City.

Preparednes Tips

• Maintain defensible space and harden your home - Clear brush and remove flammable materials, including outdoor furniture, wood piles, and dry vegetation from around your home. Cover attic and eave vents, clear gutters, and remove debris from roofs.
• Create or review your family emergency plan - Identify evacuation routes, establish reunification locations, and prepare go-bags with medications, important documents, and other essentials. Don't forget your pets.
• Schedule a free Home Wildfire Assessment - Learn how to better protect your home and how your neighborhood can become a Firewise community by contacting the City's Fire Safety Liaison at [email protected] or (310) 456-2489.
• Sign up for alerts from LA County HERE .
• Sign up for alerts from the City of Malibu HERE . (scroll to Alert Center)
• Monitor fire weather conditions HERE .
• Get the Fire Preparedness Quick Guide HERE .