LOS ANGELES (CNS) – The Los Angeles Fire Department is expected to pre- deploy resources and personnel to address potential emergencies this Fourth of July weekend, Mayor Karen Bass announced.
The LAFD will be staging additional equipment and staff for brush patrols, as well as to respond quicker to any potential needs should they arise. Additionally, the city’s Emergency Management Department will be activated over the weekend as needed.
“Fourth of July weekend is a celebratory time in our American city of Los Angeles, and we need to make sure that we are celebrating safely,” Bass said in a statement. “With the potential for heightened risks due to illegal use of fireworks, I am announcing pre-deployment of City resources to detect and respond to any issues quickly and effectively.”
“Thank you to our firefighters and public safety officials for their continued commitment to Angelenos. Stay safe, Los Angeles,” she added.
According to the mayor’s office, the LAFD’s pre-deployment strategies will consist of the following:
— Additional brush patrols across the city, around the clock, to detect and respond as needed;
— An additional helicopter pilot and crew will provide extra water- dropping capability;
— Wildfire hand crews will be deployed during the afternoon and evening of July 4th for any small fire response and follow-up;
— Additional staff will be assigned at the dispatch center to manage potential increased call volume; and
— Personnel with specialized training will monitor wildland fire cameras across Los Angeles for early detection of smoke or fire.
Residents can report the use of illegal fireworks at lacrimestoppers.org or by calling 911 if there is an immediate risk of injury or fire.
Bass and former Fire Chief Kristin Crowley were previously criticized for their response to January’s wildfires — such criticisms were related, in part, to the lack of pre-deployment of personnel and resources ahead of a major Santa Ana wind event and dangerous fire conditions.
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