Fire Season Safety
Fire season is fast approaching, and with summer comes the heat. Native plants go dormant and the Puente Hills turn golden for the hot months until the rains come and they turn to the lush green and flowers you see in the spring.
The Puente Hills Habitat Preservation Authority (Habitat Authority) is a local government agency which manages the Puente Hills Preserve, 3,870 acres of hillsides in Whittier, Hacienda Heights and La Habra Heights. The Habitat Authority has annually provided clearance between adjacent homes and the Preserve. In 2016, we received a two-year grant from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection in the amount of $18,773 to contribute to the overall costs of vegetation clearance efforts.
We also encourage home owners to prepare and to contact local fire stations, or the Los Angeles County Department of Agricultural Commissioner/Weights and Measures http://acwm.lacounty.gov for more information about what residents can do to protect their homes.
Additionally, we often receive questions on the subject of trail closures due to extreme fire hazard days which may include gusty winds and very low humidity. These trail closures are not only for the safety of the local residents and trail user but also to ensure that there is no damage to the existing habitat. To get information on trail closures and conditions before you go on a hike or ride in the hills please visit HabitatAuthority.org, or call (562) 945-9003.
The Habitat Authority is a joint powers authority with a Board of Directors consisting of the City of Whittier, County of Los Angeles, Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County, and Hacienda Heights Improvement Association. The Habitat Authority came into existence in 1994 as a condition of approval for the Puente Hills Landfill. It is dedicated to the acquisition, restoration, and management of open space in the Puente Hills for preservation of the land in perpetuity, with the primary purpose to protect the biological diversity. Additionally, the agency will endeavor to provide opportunities for outdoor education and low-impact recreation. The Habitat Authority contracts with another government agency, the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) for ranger services. The rangers patrol the hills and keep them safe and clean for visitors. They are trained in wildland firefighting among many skills and duties.
For more information about the Habitat Authority visit HabitatAuthority.org. ###
