Brian Fennessy

We get a lot of fires, obviously, here in Orange County. And I was the fire chief for the city of San Diego before I was here. And What happens in these fires, and I've been doing this for 47 years since 1978, started with the Forest Service in the LA area and been to a lot of these Santa Ana wind-driven fires over many decades.

We get a lot of fires, obviously, here in Orange County. And I was the fire chief for the city of San Diego before I was here. And What happens in these fires, and I've been doing this for 47 years since 1978, started with the Forest Service in the LA area and been to a lot of these Santa Ana wind-driven fires over many decades.

And what a lot of people don't realize is that, you know, the pressure, you know, for our hydrants, for your waters at home is all through, you know, a pump system. And you won't, you won't They're not really obvious where these pump stations are. In fact, I was up in Altadena this morning, and there was one on fire, and the person who was with me was like, what is that?

And what a lot of people don't realize is that, you know, the pressure, you know, for our hydrants, for your waters at home is all through, you know, a pump system. And you won't, you won't They're not really obvious where these pump stations are. In fact, I was up in Altadena this morning, and there was one on fire, and the person who was with me was like, what is that?

I was like, well, that's a pump station. It looks like an outbuilding of some sort. But once those pump stations burn up and go down, there's no more water pressure. And in these big fires, it's not uncommon. I know 20 years ago during the big firestorms of 2003 and 2007, there was a lot of attention on the lack of water pressure for not just firefighters, but the communities.

I was like, well, that's a pump station. It looks like an outbuilding of some sort. But once those pump stations burn up and go down, there's no more water pressure. And in these big fires, it's not uncommon. I know 20 years ago during the big firestorms of 2003 and 2007, there was a lot of attention on the lack of water pressure for not just firefighters, but the communities.

And, you know, there's obviously some Homeland Security concerns about making that information public. Well, we had to petition and really work to get that. the information on where those were, because we need to protect those.

And, you know, there's obviously some Homeland Security concerns about making that information public. Well, we had to petition and really work to get that. the information on where those were, because we need to protect those.

I mean, those are as valuable potentially as, as a home would be because once those pump stations are out, man, you're not getting any more water than what you showed up with. And the 500 gallons showing up with, you know, usually is not going to be enough when you've got a structure fire, you know, like we're seeing up there, but I'll end with this again, after seeing all these, what we, uh,

I mean, those are as valuable potentially as, as a home would be because once those pump stations are out, man, you're not getting any more water than what you showed up with. And the 500 gallons showing up with, you know, usually is not going to be enough when you've got a structure fire, you know, like we're seeing up there, but I'll end with this again, after seeing all these, what we, uh,

Certainly what I saw this morning, I spent about five, six hours in Altadena from, you know, before daylight through about noon. I'll use the word historic. I've seen a lot of wind-driven fires and I can't remember one that had the wind velocity that was experienced over Southern California. There was one in 1980 when Ontario Airport recorded a hundred mile an hour gust or whatever.

Certainly what I saw this morning, I spent about five, six hours in Altadena from, you know, before daylight through about noon. I'll use the word historic. I've seen a lot of wind-driven fires and I can't remember one that had the wind velocity that was experienced over Southern California. There was one in 1980 when Ontario Airport recorded a hundred mile an hour gust or whatever.

Well, that was happening throughout the region. And having grown up in Altadena, that's why I was up there, it's not uncommon to have very strong Santa Ana winds. This was extraordinary. And I don't think they've placed a structure loss count yet. But if somebody told me today that there was 2,000, 3,000 homes lost in Altadena, That would not surprise me. It might be even more than that.

Well, that was happening throughout the region. And having grown up in Altadena, that's why I was up there, it's not uncommon to have very strong Santa Ana winds. This was extraordinary. And I don't think they've placed a structure loss count yet. But if somebody told me today that there was 2,000, 3,000 homes lost in Altadena, That would not surprise me. It might be even more than that.

The devastation is absolutely dumbfounding.

The devastation is absolutely dumbfounding.

No, I don't know what their plan is because I have not attended any of their planning meetings or anything like that. We here in Orange County have lots of resources, both in Pacific Palisades and in Altadena. We've shared or we've sent our aircraft out. We've got our hand crews up there, our bulldozers. We've got a lot of equipment on both fires for the mutual aid system.

No, I don't know what their plan is because I have not attended any of their planning meetings or anything like that. We here in Orange County have lots of resources, both in Pacific Palisades and in Altadena. We've shared or we've sent our aircraft out. We've got our hand crews up there, our bulldozers. We've got a lot of equipment on both fires for the mutual aid system.

You know, this time of year, you know, if you're relying on federal contracted helicopters, they're all off contract right now. You've got agency aircraft. And when I say that, I'm talking about CAL FIRE, L.A. County, Orange County, L.A. City. But there's limits to that.

You know, this time of year, you know, if you're relying on federal contracted helicopters, they're all off contract right now. You've got agency aircraft. And when I say that, I'm talking about CAL FIRE, L.A. County, Orange County, L.A. City. But there's limits to that.

The air tanker fleet also, at least on the federal side, is not as robust, nearly as robust as it is during, quote unquote, the traditional fire season. I will tell you that they flew a lot yesterday during the day. The plan was to fly last night. We operate a night program. We'll work with L.A. County extensively. But the wind velocity was so high that

The air tanker fleet also, at least on the federal side, is not as robust, nearly as robust as it is during, quote unquote, the traditional fire season. I will tell you that they flew a lot yesterday during the day. The plan was to fly last night. We operate a night program. We'll work with L.A. County extensively. But the wind velocity was so high that

that, A, there were safety concerns, and quite frankly, when the wind is blowing that strong, the minute you release the retardant or the water, it blows to the Pacific Ocean. It does not make the target. But I would expect there to be a very robust air response today. But again, I can't comment on it because I don't know what they have out there.

that, A, there were safety concerns, and quite frankly, when the wind is blowing that strong, the minute you release the retardant or the water, it blows to the Pacific Ocean. It does not make the target. But I would expect there to be a very robust air response today. But again, I can't comment on it because I don't know what they have out there.

Well, I do know that, you know, that the Eaton Fire is the one in Altadena. And then there's the fire out of Silmar. Like you said, I think that's the one we're talking about. They're both kind of converging. No, no.

Well, I do know that, you know, that the Eaton Fire is the one in Altadena. And then there's the fire out of Silmar. Like you said, I think that's the one we're talking about. They're both kind of converging. No, no.

I did not know that. I drove up, you're familiar with the area, up into Eaton Canyon from the 210 freeway today. So you may be absolutely right. I don't know. But you're right. I mean, it's largely less a wildland or wildfire and more now an urban complication.

I did not know that. I drove up, you're familiar with the area, up into Eaton Canyon from the 210 freeway today. So you may be absolutely right. I don't know. But you're right. I mean, it's largely less a wildland or wildfire and more now an urban complication.

Oh, my gosh. It's, you know, last night, like I say, I have family still up in Altadena and friends. And I was getting calls last night saying, hey, am I in danger here, this fire? I told them, man, you're out of your mind. That fire will never reach you. We'll never reach you. I mean, you were so far away from the hillside.

Oh, my gosh. It's, you know, last night, like I say, I have family still up in Altadena and friends. And I was getting calls last night saying, hey, am I in danger here, this fire? I told them, man, you're out of your mind. That fire will never reach you. We'll never reach you. I mean, you were so far away from the hillside.

Three in the morning, I'm getting calls from them going, hey, the fire is across the street. And I couldn't get my- Oh, my God. But I've never seen fire travel into a community as deep as it has. On this fire. And yeah, you looked at least when the sun came up this morning or became daylight, you'd look to the mountains, right? The foothills there. There wasn't a lot of smoke.

Three in the morning, I'm getting calls from them going, hey, the fire is across the street. And I couldn't get my- Oh, my God. But I've never seen fire travel into a community as deep as it has. On this fire. And yeah, you looked at least when the sun came up this morning or became daylight, you'd look to the mountains, right? The foothills there. There wasn't a lot of smoke.

You could tell there was a fire. All the smoke was in the community. I mean, were the dozens of homes that were were burning. Yeah. Yeah. Just incredible. Just incredible. Yeah.

You could tell there was a fire. All the smoke was in the community. I mean, were the dozens of homes that were were burning. Yeah. Yeah. Just incredible. Just incredible. Yeah.

Yeah, I, I think so. You know, in what I drove and yeah. Yeah, I went to John Muir High School, so I'm really familiar with the area that you're talking about.

Yeah, I, I think so. You know, in what I drove and yeah. Yeah, I went to John Muir High School, so I'm really familiar with the area that you're talking about.

And with the winds really subsiding as they have, they're not done, but they were – even in the time I was there, from about 7 in the morning, 6 in the morning, whatever it was, until about when I headed back south in noon, the wind had really tapered off. It was still strong.

And with the winds really subsiding as they have, they're not done, but they were – even in the time I was there, from about 7 in the morning, 6 in the morning, whatever it was, until about when I headed back south in noon, the wind had really tapered off. It was still strong.

I agree. I mean, even Lake, you know where Lake is. I couldn't believe that Elliott, you know, junior high or middle school, whatever they call it now, was on fire. I mean, there was fire all the way down to New York Drive. And so to me, it was just shocking. And these are businesses, commercial businesses, as well as residential structures.

I agree. I mean, even Lake, you know where Lake is. I couldn't believe that Elliott, you know, junior high or middle school, whatever they call it now, was on fire. I mean, there was fire all the way down to New York Drive. And so to me, it was just shocking. And these are businesses, commercial businesses, as well as residential structures.

But to your question, Dr. Drew, yeah, I truly, I'd feel pretty comfortable based on the area that you're talking about. You know, the thing with these fires is, and maybe you don't hear it very often, there's not a lot that we, the fire service, can do when the winds are blowing like this. We can get people out of the way. We can get behind where the wind's blowing, try to hurt it.

But to your question, Dr. Drew, yeah, I truly, I'd feel pretty comfortable based on the area that you're talking about. You know, the thing with these fires is, and maybe you don't hear it very often, there's not a lot that we, the fire service, can do when the winds are blowing like this. We can get people out of the way. We can get behind where the wind's blowing, try to hurt it.

But until that wind stops, We could have 1,000, 2,000 fire engines there, and it's not going to make a significant difference until that wind starts to calm and we can get in there and do work. That's what I figured. Mother Nature owned us the last couple of days.

But until that wind stops, We could have 1,000, 2,000 fire engines there, and it's not going to make a significant difference until that wind starts to calm and we can get in there and do work. That's what I figured. Mother Nature owned us the last couple of days.

You know, I'm familiar with the fair plan only because we hear a lot about it, right, as the fire service. And we've been kind of pulled into the matter in a variety of different ways. You know, you've got the fire hazard severity zones,

You know, I'm familiar with the fair plan only because we hear a lot about it, right, as the fire service. And we've been kind of pulled into the matter in a variety of different ways. You know, you've got the fire hazard severity zones,

that we determine the fire service and where, well, the insurance companies use a whole nother method that we're not familiar with to determine risk versus hazard. And you get into this debate with them, what is risk versus hazard? And quite frankly, I'm not the brightest guy in the world. To me, they're the same, right? I mean, it's the same thing.

that we determine the fire service and where, well, the insurance companies use a whole nother method that we're not familiar with to determine risk versus hazard. And you get into this debate with them, what is risk versus hazard? And quite frankly, I'm not the brightest guy in the world. To me, they're the same, right? I mean, it's the same thing.

And, you know, I have friends, of course, and colleagues that are paying a fortune for their insurance through this fair plan, as you say. And I would not be at all surprised if what you heard was accurate. There are people that just can't afford this insurance if you're on a fixed income and retired and those sorts of things. And I think where we get caught up in this a little bit is

And, you know, I have friends, of course, and colleagues that are paying a fortune for their insurance through this fair plan, as you say. And I would not be at all surprised if what you heard was accurate. There are people that just can't afford this insurance if you're on a fixed income and retired and those sorts of things. And I think where we get caught up in this a little bit is

is many of these properties we don't believe maybe are as at risk as perhaps the insurance companies say they are. But we're not included in the conversation. And the fire service nationally and certainly statewide is working their way into those conversations now. I've stood there next to people, next to developers, and I said, do you see this as a concern, a fire hazard concern?

is many of these properties we don't believe maybe are as at risk as perhaps the insurance companies say they are. But we're not included in the conversation. And the fire service nationally and certainly statewide is working their way into those conversations now. I've stood there next to people, next to developers, and I said, do you see this as a concern, a fire hazard concern?

And there's been times where I've said, No, you've done everything that we've asked you to do. You've done the, uh, defensible space. You've got the, the, everything is, is accurate. Well, you know, we can't get insurance, you know, for this place. And I just scratched my head. I mean, we are the, we're the experts, right?

And there's been times where I've said, No, you've done everything that we've asked you to do. You've done the, uh, defensible space. You've got the, the, everything is, is accurate. Well, you know, we can't get insurance, you know, for this place. And I just scratched my head. I mean, we are the, we're the experts, right?

We know where the Santa Ana corridors or where the Canyon quarters are, are the insurance company doesn't ask us. They've got their own methodology and, and, um, We don't necessarily agree with everything that they've come up with.

We know where the Santa Ana corridors or where the Canyon quarters are, are the insurance company doesn't ask us. They've got their own methodology and, and, um, We don't necessarily agree with everything that they've come up with.

Yeah, that's a great question. And, and, you know, given the position I'm in, you know, as a fire chief, I don't know that it would be prudent or responsible for me to speculate. Um, cause I really don't, I don't know. I mean, however, if you, if you talk to people that do know me, I'm, I'm big on accountability.

Yeah, that's a great question. And, and, you know, given the position I'm in, you know, as a fire chief, I don't know that it would be prudent or responsible for me to speculate. Um, cause I really don't, I don't know. I mean, however, if you, if you talk to people that do know me, I'm, I'm big on accountability.

And, um, again, I can't speak to the mayor, the governor, the president's whatever the thing is. Um, Yeah, I just don't know. I'm not well versed in that and really have to remain apolitical.

And, um, again, I can't speak to the mayor, the governor, the president's whatever the thing is. Um, Yeah, I just don't know. I'm not well versed in that and really have to remain apolitical.

Well, I do agree with a lot. And you're right. I remember that very clearly as well. I mean, we had not just fuel breaks, but actual fire breaks. I started in 1978 with the U.S. Forest Service with the Oak Grove Hotshots, right there next to La Cunada High School. There was a hotshot crew there that was about 18 years old, and they spent 13 years with the U.S.

Well, I do agree with a lot. And you're right. I remember that very clearly as well. I mean, we had not just fuel breaks, but actual fire breaks. I started in 1978 with the U.S. Forest Service with the Oak Grove Hotshots, right there next to La Cunada High School. There was a hotshot crew there that was about 18 years old, and they spent 13 years with the U.S.

Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management. Much of that early time, spending time on those fuel breaks, you know, after fire season, cutting out fuel breaks, piling, burning, all those. And I mentioned that all the time. We used to spray herbicides everywhere. you know, on the fuel breaks back when you could. How dare you? Oh, my goodness.

Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management. Much of that early time, spending time on those fuel breaks, you know, after fire season, cutting out fuel breaks, piling, burning, all those. And I mentioned that all the time. We used to spray herbicides everywhere. you know, on the fuel breaks back when you could. How dare you? Oh, my goodness.

Yeah, using products that you can't use today. And they were very effective. And I don't know anything about the field mouse. I mean, I think as a young, you know, firefighter, you know, everything was tied around budget. And if there wasn't budget to have. So in the summer, I spent time on a fire crew, on a hot shot crew. And in the winter, I had an opportunity to work on a fuel screw.

Yeah, using products that you can't use today. And they were very effective. And I don't know anything about the field mouse. I mean, I think as a young, you know, firefighter, you know, everything was tied around budget. And if there wasn't budget to have. So in the summer, I spent time on a fire crew, on a hot shot crew. And in the winter, I had an opportunity to work on a fuel screw.

And they'd fly us up to the fuel breaks or whatever. We maintained the fuel break network that you're talking about in the front country of the Angeles National Forest. And over time, that management started to cease. Why? I don't know. I assumed it was budgetary. I don't know about the environmental piece of it.

And they'd fly us up to the fuel breaks or whatever. We maintained the fuel break network that you're talking about in the front country of the Angeles National Forest. And over time, that management started to cease. Why? I don't know. I assumed it was budgetary. I don't know about the environmental piece of it.

Well, there's a lot of that, right? In Northern California, look at the logging industry. You know, the spotted owl and all these other things. And, you know, the Forest Service used to be a resource agency. They will tell you they still are. But again, they've become a fire agency. And there's a number of things that are going on, some of them very public. And I've been on my soapbox a bit.

Well, there's a lot of that, right? In Northern California, look at the logging industry. You know, the spotted owl and all these other things. And, you know, the Forest Service used to be a resource agency. They will tell you they still are. But again, they've become a fire agency. And there's a number of things that are going on, some of them very public. And I've been on my soapbox a bit.

They're not paying and benefiting their firefighters and they're leaving in droves. Well, who has to make that up? Local government and CAL FIRE. And we've been trying to publicly put pressure on the Washington Office of the Forest Service to do something about that. So I don't want to chase that rabbit because your question's a good one. Yes, we need to be putting fire on the landscape.

They're not paying and benefiting their firefighters and they're leaving in droves. Well, who has to make that up? Local government and CAL FIRE. And we've been trying to publicly put pressure on the Washington Office of the Forest Service to do something about that. So I don't want to chase that rabbit because your question's a good one. Yes, we need to be putting fire on the landscape.

We need to be doing what we can because we've got a very unhealthy situation with our national forests and our open spaces.

We need to be doing what we can because we've got a very unhealthy situation with our national forests and our open spaces.

No, I wouldn't say you're a nut. I mean, most people don't. I certainly don't. You know, if you want to and it makes you feel better to do that, that's great. You know, there's risk, though, involved with staying behind after people have been evacuated.

No, I wouldn't say you're a nut. I mean, most people don't. I certainly don't. You know, if you want to and it makes you feel better to do that, that's great. You know, there's risk, though, involved with staying behind after people have been evacuated.

Quite frankly, citizens probably save, you know, others may argue with me about this, but they protect and save more property than perhaps even firefighters do. But there are some residences that... you know, quite frankly, if, if you don't leave, you might die. And so, you know, when we evacuate people, we really, it would like them to evacuate.

Quite frankly, citizens probably save, you know, others may argue with me about this, but they protect and save more property than perhaps even firefighters do. But there are some residences that... you know, quite frankly, if, if you don't leave, you might die. And so, you know, when we evacuate people, we really, it would like them to evacuate.

I think what I hear most Dr. Drew is, is, you know, from people, you know, that have evacuated or had close calls is, you know, I knew there was a fire. I was prepared. I had all my stuff together. Um, It looked like it was maybe a half hour, an hour. Next thing I knew it was there. And then the chaos began, right? Then the panic and everything happens and everything goes out the door.

I think what I hear most Dr. Drew is, is, you know, from people, you know, that have evacuated or had close calls is, you know, I knew there was a fire. I was prepared. I had all my stuff together. Um, It looked like it was maybe a half hour, an hour. Next thing I knew it was there. And then the chaos began, right? Then the panic and everything happens and everything goes out the door.

There is value in defensible space. There is value, obviously, in hardening your homes and those sorts of things. But largely what you're protecting against are, you know, the 90 whatever percentile of the fires that we have every year. The fires that we just experienced are a very small percentage, a very small wedge of the overall fires that we have.

There is value in defensible space. There is value, obviously, in hardening your homes and those sorts of things. But largely what you're protecting against are, you know, the 90 whatever percentile of the fires that we have every year. The fires that we just experienced are a very small percentage, a very small wedge of the overall fires that we have.

However, that very small wedge is also the ones that are killing the most people, firefighters, and damaging or destroying the most structures. So I would argue that if you had a pump in your pool and you had a fire like we've experienced this last couple days with the winds that we've experienced, I think you'd be better off leaving that pump behind and getting the heck out of there.

However, that very small wedge is also the ones that are killing the most people, firefighters, and damaging or destroying the most structures. So I would argue that if you had a pump in your pool and you had a fire like we've experienced this last couple days with the winds that we've experienced, I think you'd be better off leaving that pump behind and getting the heck out of there.

Yeah, I think you're right. I don't want to marginalize the preparedness piece because we preach it and we do genuinely mean it. where we get more caught up, of course, is in the evacuation piece. And what I've experienced over many years, especially after these types of fires, and we'll probably hear it again, is that the fire department wasn't there. Where was the fire department?

Yeah, I think you're right. I don't want to marginalize the preparedness piece because we preach it and we do genuinely mean it. where we get more caught up, of course, is in the evacuation piece. And what I've experienced over many years, especially after these types of fires, and we'll probably hear it again, is that the fire department wasn't there. Where was the fire department?

How come, you know, blah, blah, blah, they weren't there. And quite frankly, and you know this, is we can't be everywhere all the time. And And in terms of available resources, you know, there were largely until last night, two, well, one major fire in Pacific Palisades, and then eventually the Eden fire, and then another one.

How come, you know, blah, blah, blah, they weren't there. And quite frankly, and you know this, is we can't be everywhere all the time. And And in terms of available resources, you know, there were largely until last night, two, well, one major fire in Pacific Palisades, and then eventually the Eden fire, and then another one.

But resources were getting there quickly, just very difficult to manage. I think, you know, and even talking with some of the people I did this morning, they are prepared with their papers and those sorts of things. But where do you, you know, where do you keep your pictures? I mean, Most people don't always think about taking your laptop or your computer out of there.

But resources were getting there quickly, just very difficult to manage. I think, you know, and even talking with some of the people I did this morning, they are prepared with their papers and those sorts of things. But where do you, you know, where do you keep your pictures? I mean, Most people don't always think about taking your laptop or your computer out of there.

And so many times we'll instruct our firefighters, you know, once the homes are evacuated, you know, if they're catching on fire and we're going in there, find their computers, find these things. Because nowadays people aren't keeping those things on albums. Their life is on these electronics. And you're right. I agree with you.

And so many times we'll instruct our firefighters, you know, once the homes are evacuated, you know, if they're catching on fire and we're going in there, find their computers, find these things. Because nowadays people aren't keeping those things on albums. Their life is on these electronics. And you're right. I agree with you.

I think in Southern California people are so used to disasters that they're thinking about it. Yeah. but I think it's just the overall, it's not going to happen to me. And I don't know if it's just human nature or what you'd probably be better. You'd know better than I would, but I don't think people truly believe it's ever going to happen to them.

I think in Southern California people are so used to disasters that they're thinking about it. Yeah. but I think it's just the overall, it's not going to happen to me. And I don't know if it's just human nature or what you'd probably be better. You'd know better than I would, but I don't think people truly believe it's ever going to happen to them.

I mean, I just, I talked to my brother who thankfully his home was one of maybe very few in Altadena that survived. At least it was when I left. And one of my friends who, you know, I drove him to where his house was literally burning on the ground. And, You know, it was just this daze of, man, I didn't think it would happen to me. And quite frankly, I didn't think it would either. You know?

I mean, I just, I talked to my brother who thankfully his home was one of maybe very few in Altadena that survived. At least it was when I left. And one of my friends who, you know, I drove him to where his house was literally burning on the ground. And, You know, it was just this daze of, man, I didn't think it would happen to me. And quite frankly, I didn't think it would either. You know?

I'll share something with you a little bit controversial and some discussion that's taking place among some fire chiefs is... You know, we've got the Ready, Set, Go program, and that's assuming that you've got your stuff ready, and now we tell you to evacuate and you go. What if go is, man, you just smelled smoke, you open the door, and you've got 45 seconds, you've got 30 seconds to go.

I'll share something with you a little bit controversial and some discussion that's taking place among some fire chiefs is... You know, we've got the Ready, Set, Go program, and that's assuming that you've got your stuff ready, and now we tell you to evacuate and you go. What if go is, man, you just smelled smoke, you open the door, and you've got 45 seconds, you've got 30 seconds to go.

Where do I go? And I've had people ask, do I jump in my pool? Do I head down the street? And what I share with people is we ought to be providing some basic level of fire behavior training to our communities so they have some awareness of how fire is going to behave. Yes, park your vehicle so it's facing out on a hot, dry forecast, but know where that golf course is.

Where do I go? And I've had people ask, do I jump in my pool? Do I head down the street? And what I share with people is we ought to be providing some basic level of fire behavior training to our communities so they have some awareness of how fire is going to behave. Yes, park your vehicle so it's facing out on a hot, dry forecast, but know where that golf course is.

Know where that high school gym, the park, the big Walmart, whatever, because what you need to do is maybe go two or three blocks and Run your car into that open space and let the fire go around you, as opposed to getting stuck in traffic and having the fire come over the top of you. Just like in a hotel, many of us look at what floor am I on? Where's the staircase?

Know where that high school gym, the park, the big Walmart, whatever, because what you need to do is maybe go two or three blocks and Run your car into that open space and let the fire go around you, as opposed to getting stuck in traffic and having the fire come over the top of you. Just like in a hotel, many of us look at what floor am I on? Where's the staircase?

On the airplane, where's the exit? You should have a plan of, if they tell me now, what is my plan?

On the airplane, where's the exit? You should have a plan of, if they tell me now, what is my plan?

Yeah, no, it is. In listening to the meteorologists and, you know, in the fire service, you ultimately become almost a weather person, right? I mean, that's our whole thing. And right now, the weather is behaving as it's been forecasted. And so we're going to have a couple more days of really dry, very low humidities. We're going to have some breezes.

Yeah, no, it is. In listening to the meteorologists and, you know, in the fire service, you ultimately become almost a weather person, right? I mean, that's our whole thing. And right now, the weather is behaving as it's been forecasted. And so we're going to have a couple more days of really dry, very low humidities. We're going to have some breezes.

But the big blow, you know, for the most part, I believe is over. I don't want to scare anybody, but we're forecasting another Santa Ana to begin next Tuesday. And right now they're saying moderate. But a week ago, this was forecasted to be moderate. And all of a sudden it became strong. So you don't always know, but we're in that pattern of every six, seven days having a Santa Ana.

But the big blow, you know, for the most part, I believe is over. I don't want to scare anybody, but we're forecasting another Santa Ana to begin next Tuesday. And right now they're saying moderate. But a week ago, this was forecasted to be moderate. And all of a sudden it became strong. So you don't always know, but we're in that pattern of every six, seven days having a Santa Ana.

This used to be September, October, November. Now it seems like it's December, January, February that the months of these kind of patterns.

This used to be September, October, November. Now it seems like it's December, January, February that the months of these kind of patterns.

An instinct. This is my thing. It could be. I mean, if you're going to jump into that pool, you pretty much resigned yourself. You're going to die, right? Because your other alternatives are done. And so when people say, well, you don't know until that fire is on you.

An instinct. This is my thing. It could be. I mean, if you're going to jump into that pool, you pretty much resigned yourself. You're going to die, right? Because your other alternatives are done. And so when people say, well, you don't know until that fire is on you.

And again, I talked to a few people today that decided they were going to stay and protect their homes and ultimately ran out because it's pretty scary. But jumping in the pool could be or may not be. I mean, it's just one of those things that you don't know.

And again, I talked to a few people today that decided they were going to stay and protect their homes and ultimately ran out because it's pretty scary. But jumping in the pool could be or may not be. I mean, it's just one of those things that you don't know.

We've had people, I know people that have, well, not known them, but have been on fires where people have died in their cars escaping the fire. And guess what? Their home survived. Should they have maybe sheltered in place? So all those things we've thought about.

We've had people, I know people that have, well, not known them, but have been on fires where people have died in their cars escaping the fire. And guess what? Their home survived. Should they have maybe sheltered in place? So all those things we've thought about.

We love Foster. It's good to meet another Pasadena out to dinner.

We love Foster. It's good to meet another Pasadena out to dinner.

I won't argue with you there. I'm with you on that. Absolutely. Fair enough.

I won't argue with you there. I'm with you on that. Absolutely. Fair enough.

I think it is. I think, I don't know for sure, but I'm pretty sure it is probably at your Home Depot or your Lowe's or something like that. You probably need an induction system, you know, if you're going to be

I think it is. I think, I don't know for sure, but I'm pretty sure it is probably at your Home Depot or your Lowe's or something like that. You probably need an induction system, you know, if you're going to be

pumping it you know from the pail you know out of your hose and those sorts of things and you know foams gels other other products retardants other products like that work very well um how long they last you know depends um we see a lot of the insurance companies now you know um offering that as part of their service if there's a fire nearby they'll come and

pumping it you know from the pail you know out of your hose and those sorts of things and you know foams gels other other products retardants other products like that work very well um how long they last you know depends um we see a lot of the insurance companies now you know um offering that as part of their service if there's a fire nearby they'll come and

spray your home or your vegetation, those sorts of things that works really well. But water still ends up to be a pretty good product when it comes to putting out fire. The pink retardant you see coming out of the aircraft works very well. Also, it coats the leaves and even when it's dry. But it's just that it's a retardant. It is not necessarily going to stop the fire. You still need to get

spray your home or your vegetation, those sorts of things that works really well. But water still ends up to be a pretty good product when it comes to putting out fire. The pink retardant you see coming out of the aircraft works very well. Also, it coats the leaves and even when it's dry. But it's just that it's a retardant. It is not necessarily going to stop the fire. You still need to get

people in there. It's still very much a job where you've got to get firefighters, bulldozers, some sort of things in there to get that fire line down to mineral soil. But yeah, there are some good products out there, for sure.

people in there. It's still very much a job where you've got to get firefighters, bulldozers, some sort of things in there to get that fire line down to mineral soil. But yeah, there are some good products out there, for sure.

Thank you. Great talking with you.

Thank you. Great talking with you.

Yep.

Yep.

No, I did. And, you know, you asked some really good questions, you know, in terms of the, you know, power lines and whatnot. I know that the utilities up and down the state are working towards undergrounding them. But you ask a good question. I have no idea why you've got above ground, you know, power lines down along PCH there. But, you know, a good question for Edison.

No, I did. And, you know, you asked some really good questions, you know, in terms of the, you know, power lines and whatnot. I know that the utilities up and down the state are working towards undergrounding them. But you ask a good question. I have no idea why you've got above ground, you know, power lines down along PCH there. But, you know, a good question for Edison.

I'm assuming it's a Southern California Edison thing. I mean, I'm not in that business, so I don't know. I don't know what the fire start was. I think it's still under investigation, so I don't know if it's utility or

I'm assuming it's a Southern California Edison thing. I mean, I'm not in that business, so I don't know. I don't know what the fire start was. I think it's still under investigation, so I don't know if it's utility or

If I'd have known this question was coming, I would have got that for you. But no, there is a percentage, obviously, of each. But, you know, certainly it wasn't lightning, right? We know it wasn't lightning. So could it be human or something else? And utilities there, but it's not as great as you'd think it was. But, you know, on the water side, because I get that a lot too, right?

If I'd have known this question was coming, I would have got that for you. But no, there is a percentage, obviously, of each. But, you know, certainly it wasn't lightning, right? We know it wasn't lightning. So could it be human or something else? And utilities there, but it's not as great as you'd think it was. But, you know, on the water side, because I get that a lot too, right?