The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority will deploy more than 80 wildland fire-trained staff across its parklands Friday night as part of its annual Fourth of July public safety initiative.
More than 50 MRCA fire protection personnel, including full-time, seasonal, paid call-out and volunteer wildland firefighters, will patrol parkland from the ocean to Santa Clarita using Type 3 and Type 6 fire engines. Eleven pieces of fire equipment, including type three engines and tactical water tenders, will be positioned throughout the jurisdiction.
"The MRCA will be out in full force on the Fourth of July to patrol its parklands and curb illegal activity," said MRCA Chief Fire Management Officer Ken Nelson. "Our crews are well-trained and ready to respond to the threat posed by the combination of dry brush, fireworks, and warm weather."
An additional 30 MRCA rangers, operations staff, public officers and seasonal assistants will provide safety patrol and enforcement, focusing on high-traffic areas including Mulholland Drive, Topanga Canyon, the 118 Corridor and Malibu.
Key operational areas include:
Mulholland Drive: The Jerome C. Daniel Overlook Above the Hollywood Bowl and Universal Overlook will close before 6 p.m. sunset. Barriers preventing stopping or parking at Universal Overlook will remain from Friday through Monday morning. All other overlooks close to vehicular traffic at 5 p.m.
The Los Angeles Police Department, Department of Transportation and Recreation and Park rangers will support the effort, installing additional no-stopping signs from Multiview to Wrightwood.
Topanga Canyon: Security guards will join MRCA staff at Top of Topanga Overlook from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Thursday through Monday morning. MRCA rangers and fire protection staff will coordinate with Topanga Arson Watch volunteers and Lost Hills Sheriff station.
Malibu: Fire equipment will be pre-positioned with active fire and ranger patrols deployed at all MRCA coastal locations, including Winding Way and Lechuza Beach.
"We want the public to understand that some areas may be closed," said MRCA Chief Ranger Fernando Gomez, who has patrolled Mulholland on July 4th for more than 25 years. "Be vigilant, read signs, and pay attention to what is going on around you."
The MRCA manages more than 80,000 acres of parkland and works cooperatively with county, city and state agencies on wildfire prevention efforts.
Edited by SMDP Staff