It seems inconceivable that people are building campfires right next to our wild lands. In the past year, generally while performing patrols for Topanga Arson Watch, I have found no less than four remnants of campfires.
Any of these open fires could have spread to the adjoining dense brush and trees. The camp fires might not be visible from any nearby homes, but all of these reported here are close to public roads.
If you spot someone making an outdoor fire, call 911 immediately. If, like me, your inclination is to yell something like, “PUT OUT THAT ILLEGAL FIRE BEFORE YOU START A WILDFIRE!”
Please don’t do that because a) Someone might get hurt, b) They might put the fire out and then reignite it after you leave, and c) This is a serious violation of the law; open fires have been banned by the County Fire Department since May of this year and the authorities, such as the Sheriff’s Department will ensure that the people involved will be properly reprimanded.
Let’s all be fire safe and fire vigilant.
—Daniel Schag, Topanga Arson Watch
