Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Red Flag Warning

Sierra Madre, CA September 22, 2009, 11:00 a.m. – Red Flag Warning

A Red Flag Warning has been issued and will continue through Thursday due to the forecast of winds gusting to 35 mph and a prolonged period of relative low humidity. Santa Ana winds are predicted for late this evening. Due to the increase in temperatures, wind, and a decrease of humidity over the next few days, City and Fire Officials will be in constant communications with the Station Fire Incident Command Team.

The Station Fire, which began on August 26th, has burned 160,557 acres and is now 94% contained. Fire Officials have located “hot spots” in the Mt. Wilson area using thermal imaging technology. Aircraft began dropping water on these spots on Saturday and will continue through this week as needed. The intent of these drops is to extinguish the remaining interior hotspots and reduce the risk of embers igniting additional fuels during the anticipated hot, dry and windy weather. Over 350,000 gallons of water have been dropped since Saturday to extinguish these “hot spots” and fortify the containment lines that are designed to protect the foothill communities.

The Station Fire does not pose an imminent threat to Sierra Madre at this time and there are no evacuation orders in place or anticipated. City Officials will issue updates throughout the Red Flag Warning event and as necessary.

The City of Sierra Madre would like to encourage residents to maintain a heightened level of emergency preparation. Residents are encouraged to be “Ready for 7”; with 7 days worth of food, clothing, medicine, pet food and supplies should they have to leave their homes. Please visit the City’s website, www.cityofsierramadre.com for more information.

For updates and future emergency information, please be sure to monitor the City’s Communication Tools;

City Website (www.cityofsierramadre.com)
SMTV3, (channel 3 on Time Warner Cable)
Sierra Madre Emergency Blog (www.sierramadrepio.blogspot.com.)
Email Alerts “eBlasts” - To register for email alerts please visit www.cityofsierramadre.com, click on AccessSierraMadre, and then click CommunicationLink to register your email address.

Monday, September 14, 2009

Station Fire Recap

Sierra Madre, CA September 14, 2009, 3:00 p.m. – Station Fire Recap

City Officials received good news this morning on the current condition of the Station Fire. Containment has reached 87% with 160,557 acres burned. The Station Fire no longer poses any imminent danger to the City of Sierra Madre due primarily to the controlled burn operations from Mt. Wilson towards the Cogswell Reservoir which were deemed to be a complete success.

In compliance with an order from the US Forest Service and the LA County Sheriff Department, the City has closed, until further notice, Bailey Canyon, Mt. Wilson Trail and access roads to Chantry Flats. These closures will continue to be closely monitored and strictly enforced.

Fire Officials have noted that several species of wildlife have been seen moving through the burn area. Wildlife are expected to move away from the burn area and outside the perimeter of the fire. There may be an increase in wildlife sightings in and around the foothill communities. Public Safety Officials warn residents to be cautious and leave all wildlife animals alone. For the safety of these animals, please do not feed them.

With the traditional rain season approaching and a potential for debris flows and mudslides, the City of Sierra Madre would like to request that all residents take time to review their emergency preparations and plans for all emergency situations including wildfire, mudslides, and earthquakes. Residents are encouraged to be “Ready for 7”; with 7 days worth of food, clothing, medicine, pet food and supplies should they have to leave their homes. Please visit the City’s website, www.cityofsierramadre.com for more information.

The City of Sierra Madre would like to express our gratitude to U. S. Forest Service, Los Angeles County Fire, Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department, the American Red Cross, California Department of Forest and Fire Protection, Sierra Madre Search & Rescue, Sierra Madre Fire Safe Council, and all of the other agencies for their dedication and efforts to keep Sierra Madre safe.

This will be the final press release on the Station Fire unless updates are warranted. For future emergency information, please be sure to monitor the City’s Communication Tools;

City Website (www.cityofsierramadre.com)
SMTV3, (channel 3 on Time Warner Cable)
Sierra Madre Emergency Blog (www.sierramadrepio.blogspot.com.)
Email Alerts “eBlasts” - To register for email alerts please visit www.cityofsierramadre.com, click on AccessSierraMadre, and then click CommunicationLink to register your email address.

JC

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Sierra Madre Station Fire Update 9-10-2009

Sierra Madre, CA September 10, 2009, 12:00 p.m. – Controlled Fire Operations Update


City Officials were briefed today on the Controlled Fire Operations that have been planned for the last few days. Late last evening, operations began in the extremely thick vegetation between Mt. Wilson and the Cogswell Reservoir. The burn was successful, removing brush from areas where anticipated Santa Ana winds could cause spotting. These important Controlled Fire Operations may continue for the next 24 hours or more, and only during optimal conditions for effectiveness and safety.

Residents may notice smoke in the area and may possibly be able to see some of the flames. Fire Officials would like to convey to the residents that although the situation may look somewhat dramatic, these operations are being conducted in a safe manner during the best conditions. A strong contingent of resources is assigned to this operation, and these burns will enhance the immediate and future safety of Sierra Madre.

The Sierra Madre Fire Department and City Officials will continue to closely monitor the Station Fire, which continues to be a slow-moving, terrain-driven fire that is now 71% contained and has burned 160,357 acres.

In compliance with an order from the US Forest Service and the LA County Sheriff Department, the City has closed until further notice Bailey Canyon, Mt. Wilson Trail and Santa Anita Canyon Road to Chantry Flats. These closures will be closely monitored and strictly enforced.

For more information, please tune into SMTV3, channel 3 on Time Warner Cable, or www.sierramadrepio.blogspot.com. eBlasts will also be sent out to registered users – to register for email alerts please visit www.cityofsierramadre.com, click on AccessSierraMadre, and then click CommunicationLink to register your email address.

The US Forest Service has set up a Public Information Hotline dedicated to the Station Fire in Angeles National Forest. The number is 626-821-6700 and will be staffed with live persons, 24 hours a day until further notice.

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Sierra Madre Station Fire Update 9-8-2009

Sierra Madre, CA September 8, 2009, 12:00 p.m. – City Preparations Update


Today’s fire briefing indicated that there was little change from recent informational updates for the Sierra Madre area.

The Sierra Madre Fire Department and City Officials continue to closely monitor the Station Fire. There is still no imminent danger to Sierra Madre residents and no evacuation orders have been issued. The Station Fire continues to be a slow-moving, terrain-driven fire that is currently 56% contained and has burned 160,357 acres.

Controlled fire operations have yet to occur in the Mt. Wilson and eastern areas. However, they may be conducted along these lines within the next 24 hours, depending on the weather and safety of the situation. Residents in the foothill communities will notice additional smoke columns and possibly a small amount of flame, depending on the locations.

The fire continues to move through heavy fuels, timber trees, and thick brush within the San Gabriel Wilderness Areas. This area has no historical record of burning and heavy smoke columns are again expected for the next few days. Current weather patterns continue to work to the advantage of the firefighting activities. This weather has shown to reduce some of the smoke in the valley areas; however the heavy brush may produce Pyrocumulus clouds, especially in the afternoons.

In compliance with an order from the US Forest Service and the LA County Sheriff Department, the City is closing until further notice Bailey Canyon, Mt. Wilson Trail and Santa Anita Canyon Road to Chantry Flats. These closures will be closely monitored and strictly enforced.

For more information, please tune into SMTV3, channel 3 on Time Warner Cable, or www.sierramadrepio.blogspot.com. eBlasts will also be sent out to registered users – to register for email alerts please visit www.cityofsierramadre.com, click on AccessSierraMadre, and then click CommunicationLink to register your email address.

The US Forest Service has set up a Public Information Hotline dedicated to the Station Fire in Angeles National Forest. The number is 626-821-6700 and will be staffed with live persons, 24 hours a day until further notice.

###AM

Monday, September 7, 2009

Sierra Madre Station Fire Update 9-7-2009

Sierra Madre, CA September 7, 2009, 11:45 a.m. – City Preparations Update


Today’s fire briefing indicates that there was little change from yesterday’s situation in the Sierra Madre area.

The Sierra Madre Fire Department and City Officials continue to closely monitor the Station Fire. There is still no imminent danger to Sierra Madre residents and no evacuation orders have been issued. The City of Sierra Madre will maintain its current state of optimal preparedness throughout the Labor Day weekend.

The Station Fire continues to be a slow-moving, terrain-driven fire that is currently 56% contained and has burned 157,220 acres. City Officials were briefed this morning and are pleased to report that Fire Officials remain “cautiously optimistic” about the security of the containment areas directly north of the City of Sierra Madre. Fire activity has diminished greatly in the Foothill Drive Corridor with the exception of isolated areas in the forest where the timber fuels are the greatest. Current estimates again place the closest edge of the fire line at more than 3.5 miles north of the City. Incident Command indicates that areas south and east of Mt. Wilson are still a high priority. This includes the foothill communities, including Sierra Madre and Chantry Flats.

The fire continues to move into heavy fuels, timber trees, and thick brush within the San Gabriel Wilderness close to the Cogswell Reservoir. This area has no historical record of burning and heavy smoke columns are expected. Current weather patterns continue to work to the advantage of the firefighting activities. This weather has shown to reduce some of the smoke in the valley areas; however the heavy brush will continue to produce Pyrocumulus clouds, especially in the afternoons.

Work on multiple protective fire breaks has been completed and continue to be reinforced as needed. The fire breaks are designed to hold the fire well north of the wildland/urban interface. Firefighting operations will continue to take place both day and night as needed to hold the fire north of the containment lines that have been established from Mt. Wilson towards Highway 39. Controlled fire operations may also be conducted along these lines which are generally at least three ridges (or about 3.5 miles north) away from Sierra Madre. The controlled fire operations increase the effectiveness of the fire breaks, but should produce more smoke and flame in areas northeast of the City. Smoke columns, much like those that appeared last couple afternoon, are again expected to be seen throughout today as well.

The City of Sierra Madre would like to request that all residents take time to review their emergency preparations and plans for all emergency situations including wildfire, mudslides, and earthquakes. Residents are encouraged to be “Ready for 7”; with 7 days worth of food, clothing, medicine, pet food and supplies should they have to leave their homes. Please visit the City’s website, www.cityofsierramadre.com for more information.

As the fire predicted to continue to burn for many days, wild animals will be leaving their habitats and entering the City. Public Safety Officials warn residents to be cautious and leave all wildlife animals alone. For the safety of these animals, please do not feed them. Residents may want to take caution and keep small children and pets indoors.

In compliance with an order from the US Forest Service and the LA County Sheriff Department, the City is closing until further notice Bailey Canyon, Mt. Wilson Trail and access roads to Chantry Flats. These closures will continue throughout the Labor Day weekend and will be strictly enforced.

Fire conditions are changing constantly and this message contains the most current information the City of Sierra Madre has at this time. City Hall will be closed in observance of Labor Day Monday, September 7, 2009; however, City officials will continue to monitor and update the City’s message boards throughout the weekend. At this time, the City Council meeting for Tuesday, September 8, 2009, will take place at its regularly scheduled time.

For more information, please tune into SMTV3, channel 3 on Time Warner Cable, or www.sierramadrepio.blogspot.com. eBlasts will also be sent out to registered users – to register for email alerts please visit www.cityofsierramadre.com, click on AccessSierraMadre, and then click CommunicationLink to register your email address.

The US Forest Service has set up a Public Information Hotline dedicated to the Station Fire in Angeles National Forest. The number is 626-821-6700 and will be staffed with live persons, 24 hours a day until further notice.

###

Sunday, September 6, 2009

Sierra Madre Station Fire Update 9-6-2009

Sierra Madre, CA September 6, 2009, 11:50 a.m. – City Preparations Update


The Sierra Madre Fire Department and City Officials continue to closely monitor the Station Fire. There is still no imminent danger to Sierra Madre residents and no evacuation orders have been issued. The City of Sierra Madre will maintain its current state of optimal preparedness throughout the Labor Day weekend.

The Station Fire continues to be a slow-moving, terrain-driven fire that is currently 51% contained and has burned 157,220 acres. City Officials were briefed this morning and are pleased to report that Fire Officials remain “cautiously optimistic” about the security of the containment areas directly north of the City of Sierra Madre. Fire activity has diminished greatly in the Foothill Drive Corridor with the exception of isolated areas in the forest where the timber fuels are the greatest. Current estimates again place the closest edge of the fire line at more than 3.5 miles north of the City. Incident Command indicates that areas south and east of Mt. Wilson are still a high priority. This includes the foothill communities, including Sierra Madre and Chantry Flats.

The fire continues to move into heavy fuels, timber trees, and thick brush within the San Gabriel Wilderness close to the Cogswell Reservoir. This area has no historical record of burning and heavy smoke columns are expected. Current weather patterns continue to work to the advantage of the firefighting activities. This weather has shown to reduce some of the smoke in the valley areas; however the heavy brush will continue to produce Pyrocumulus clouds, especially in the afternoons.

Work on multiple protective fire breaks has been completed and continue to be reinforced as needed. The fire breaks are designed to hold the fire well north of the wildland/urban interface. Firefighting operations will continue to take place both day and night as needed to hold the fire north of the containment lines that have been established from Mt. Wilson towards Highway 39. Controlled fire operations may also be conducted along these lines which are generally at least three ridges (or about 3.5 miles north) away from Sierra Madre. The controlled fire operations increase the effectiveness of the fire breaks, but should produce more smoke and flame in areas northeast of the City. Smoke columns, much like those that appeared last couple afternoon, are again expected to be seen throughout today as well.

The City of Sierra Madre would like to request that all residents to take time to review their emergency preparations and plans for all emergency situations including wildfire, mudslides, and earthquakes. Residents are encouraged to be “Ready for 7”; with 7 days worth of food, clothing, medicine, pet food and supplies should they have to leave their homes. Please visit the City’s website, www.cityofsierramadre.com for more information.

As the fire predicted to continue to burn for many days, wild animals will be leaving their habitats and entering the City. Public Safety Officials warn residents to be cautious and leave all wildlife animals alone. For the safety of these animals, please do not feed them. Residents may want to take caution and keep small children and pets indoors.

In compliance with an order from the US Forest Service and the LA County Sheriff Department, the City is closing until further notice Bailey Canyon, Mt. Wilson Trail and access roads to Chantry Flats. These closures will continue throughout the Labor Day weekend and will be strictly enforced.

Fire conditions are changing constantly and this message contains the most current information the City of Sierra Madre has at this time. City Hall will be closed in observance of Labor Day Monday, September 7, 2009; however, City officials will continue to monitor and update the City’s message boards throughout the weekend. At this time, the City Council meeting for Tuesday, September 8, 2009, will take place at its regularly scheduled time.

For more information, please tune into SMTV3, channel 3 on Time Warner Cable, or www.sierramadrepio.blogspot.com. eBlasts will also be sent out to registered users – to register for email alerts please visit www.cityofsierramadre.com, click on AccessSierraMadre, and then click CommunicationLink to register your email address.

The US Forest Service has set up a Public Information Hotline dedicated to the Station Fire in Angeles National Forest. The number is 626-821-6700 and will be staffed with live persons, 24 hours a day until further notice.

### JC

Saturday, September 5, 2009

City Preparations Update for Saturday 9-5-2009

Sierra Madre, CA September 5, 2009, 11:45 a.m. – City Preparations Update


The Sierra Madre Fire Department and City Officials continue to closely monitor the Station Fire. There is still no imminent danger to Sierra Madre residents and no evacuation orders have been issued. The City of Sierra Madre will maintain its current state of optimal preparedness throughout the Labor Day weekend.

The Station Fire continues to be a slow-moving, terrain-driven fire that is currently 49% contained and has burned 154,655 acres. City Officials were briefed this morning and are pleased to report that Fire Officials are “cautiously optimistic” about the security of the containment areas directly north of the City of Sierra Madre. Current estimates again place the closest edge of the fire line at more than 3.5 miles north of the City. Incident Command indicates that areas south and east of Mt. Wilson are still a high priority. This includes the foothill communities, including Sierra Madre and Chantry Flats.

The fire continues to move into heavy fuels, timber trees, and thick brush within the San Gabriel Wilderness north of the Cogswell Reservoir. This area has no historical record of burning and heavy smoke columns are expected. Current weather patterns are slightly pushing the fire further north and away from the city. This weather has shown to reduce the smoke in the area; however the heavy brush will continue to produce Pyrocumulus clouds.

Work on multiple protective fire breaks has been completed and are currently being reinforced. The fire breaks are designed to hold the fire well north of the wildland/urban interface. Firefighting operations will continue to take place both day and night as needed to hold the fire north of the containment lines that have been established from Mt. Wilson towards Highway 39. Controlled fire operations may also be conducted along these lines which are generally at least three ridges (or about 3.5 miles north) away from Sierra Madre. The controlled fire operations increase the effectiveness of the fire breaks, but should produce more smoke and flame in areas north of the City. Smoke columns, much like those that appeared yesterday afternoon, are expected to be seen throughout today as well.

The City of Sierra Madre would like to request that all residents to take time to review their emergency preparations and plans for all emergency situations including wildfire, mudslides, and earthquakes. Residents are encouraged to be “Ready for 7”; with 7 days worth of food, clothing, medicine, pet food and supplies should they have to leave their homes. Please visit the City’s website, www.cityofsierramadre.com for more information.

As the is fire predicted to continue to burn for many days, wild animals will be leaving their habitats and entering the City. Public Safety Officials warn residents to be cautious and leave all wildlife animals alone. For the safety of these animals, please do not feed them. Residents may want to take caution and keep small children and pets indoors.

In compliance with an order from the US Forest Service and the LA County Sheriff Department, the City is closing until further notice Bailey Canyon, Mt. Wilson Trail and access roads to Chantry Flats. These closures will continue throughout the Labor Day weekend and will be strictly enforced.

Fire conditions are changing constantly and this message contains the most current information the City of Sierra Madre has at this time. City Hall will be closed in observance of Labor Day Monday, September 7, 2009; however, City officials will continue to monitor and update the City’s message boards throughout the weekend. At this time, the City Council meeting for Tuesday, September 8, 2009, will take place at its regularly scheduled time.

For more information, please tune into SMTV3, channel 3 on Time Warner Cable, or www.sierramadrepio.blogspot.com. eBlasts will also be sent out to registered users – to register for email alerts please visit www.cityofsierramadre.com, click on AccessSierraMadre, and then click CommunicationLink to register your email address.

The US Forest Service has set up a Public Information Hotline dedicated to the Station Fire in Angeles National Forest. The number is 626-821-6700 and will be staffed with live persons, 24 hours a day until further notice.

Friday, September 4, 2009

City Preparations Update

Sierra Madre, CA September 4, 2009, 5:30 p.m. – City Preparations Update


The Sierra Madre Fire Department and City Officials continue to closely monitor the Station Fire. There is still no imminent danger to Sierra Madre residents and no evacuation orders have been issued. The City of Sierra Madre will maintain its current state of optimal preparedness throughout the Labor Day weekend.

The Station Fire continues to be a slow-moving, terrain-driven fire that is currently 42% contained and has burned 148,258 acres. Current estimates place the closest edge of the fire at more than 3.5 miles north of the City. Incident Command indicates that areas south and east of Mt. Wilson are still a high priority. This includes the foothill communities, including Sierra Madre and Chantry Flats. Incident Fire officials have been giving the enthusiastic approval of the City to maintain an informational bulletin board at Kersting Court. At this time, the City is unsure when it will arrive or the duration it will be located within our City.

The fire is now moving into heavy fuels, timber trees, and thick brush within the San Gabriel Wilderness north of the Cogswell Reservoir. This area has no historical record of burning and heavy smoke columns are expected. Current weather patterns are slightly pushing the fire further north and away from the city. This weather has shown to reduce the smoke in the area; however the heavy brush will continue to produce Pyrocumulus clouds, as see over the mountains this afternoon.

Work on multiple protective fire breaks has been completed as of early this evening. The fire breaks are designed to hold the fire well north of the wildlife/urban interface. Firefighting operations will continue to take place both day and night to hold the fire north of the containment lines that have been established from Mt. Wilson to Highway 39. Controlled fire operations may also be conducted along these lines which are at least three ridges (or about 3.5 miles north) away from Sierra Madre. The controlled fire operations increase the effectiveness of the fire breaks, but should produce more smoke and flame in areas north of the City.

The City of Sierra Madre would like to request that all residents to take time to review their emergency preparations and plans for all emergency situations including wildfire, mudslides, and earthquakes. Residents are encouraged to be “Ready for 7”; with 7 days worth of food, clothing, medicine, pet food and supplies should they have to leave their homes. Please visit the City’s website, www.cityofsierramadre.com for more information.

As the fire predicted to continue to burn for many days, wild animals will be leaving their habitats and entering the City. Public Safety Officials warn residents to be cautious and leave all wildlife animals alone. For the safety of these animals, please do not feed them. Residents may want to take caution and keep small children and pets indoors.

In compliance with an order from the US Forest Service and the LA County Sheriff Department, the City is closing until further notice Bailey Canyon, Mt. Wilson Trail and access roads to Chantry Flats. These closures will continue throughout the Labor Day weekend and will be strictly enforced.

Fire conditions are changing constantly and this message contains the most current information the City of Sierra Madre has at this time. City Hall will be closed in observance of Labor Day Monday, September 7, 2009; however, City officials will continue to monitor and update the City’s message boards throughout the weekend. At this time, the City Council meeting for Tuesday, September 8, 2009, will take place at its regularly scheduled time.

For more information, please tune into SMTV3, channel 3 on Time Warner Cable, or www.sierramadrepio.blogspot.com. eBlasts will also be sent out to registered users – to register for email alerts please visit www.cityofsierramadre.com, click on AccessSierraMadre, and then click CommunicationLink to register your email address.

JC

Station Fire - Informational Update 9-4-2009

The Sierra Madre Fire Department and City Officials are closely monitoring the Station Fire and there is no immediate threat to Sierra Madre residents at this time.

The fire is now moving into heavy fuels, timber trees, and thick brush within the San Gabriel Wilderness north of the Cogswell Reservoir. This area has no historical record of burning and heavy smoke columns are expected.

Current weather patterns are slightly pushing the fire further north and away from the city. This weather has shown to reduce the smoke in the area; however the heavy brush will continue to produce Pyrocumulus clouds, as seen over the mountains this afternoon.

Firefighting operations continue to take place both day and night to hold the fire north of the containment lines that have been established from Mt. Wilson to Highway 39. Controlled fire operations may also be conducted along these lines which are at least three ridges (or about 3.5 miles north) away from Sierra Madre. The controlled fire operations increase the effectiveness of the fire breaks but should produce more smoke and flame in areas north of the City.

Be aware that there is a potential for increased fire apparatus activity on land and by air.

JC

City is Prepared for Station Fire

The Sierra Madre Fire Department and City Officials continue to closely monitor the Station Fire. As of this morning, there is still no imminent danger to Sierra Madre residents and no evacuation orders have been issued. The City of Sierra Madre will maintain its current state of optimal preparedness throughout the Labor Day weekend.

The Station Fire continues to be a slow-moving, terrain-driven fire that is currently 42% contained and has burned 148,258 acres. Incident Command indicates that areas south and east of Mt. Wilson are still a high priority. This includes the foothill communities, including Sierra Madre and Chantry Flats. Please be aware that there is a potential for increased fire apparatus activity on land and by air.

Fire officials sent handcrews to create a fire break between wilderness areas and the northern-most properties in Sierra Madre. This fire break is expected to extend from Altadena to Azusa and is designed to hold the fire north of the wildlife/urban interface. The City has been informed that controlled fire operations are included with contingency plans should the fire become a real threat to life and property in the foothill communities.

The City of Sierra Madre would like to ask residents north of W. Carter Ave., north of E. Carter Ave, Mt. Wilson Trail Road, the Upper Canyon and Lower Canyon, and north of E. Grandview Ave from N. Mountain Trail eastward to renew their emergency preparations in the event that the City issues evacuation orders. Residents are reminded to be “Ready for 7” with 7 days worth of food, clothing, medicine, pet food and supplies should they have to leave their homes. The Community Recreation Center at 611 E. Sierra Madre Blvd. has been identified as an evacuation or check-in center should residents be forced to leave their homes. Pets in crates will be allowed in Sierra Vista Park.

As the fire continues to burn closer to Sierra Madre, wild animals will be leaving the forest and entering the City. Public Safety Officials warn residents to be cautious and leave all wildlife animals alone. For the safety of these animals, please do not feed them. Residents may want to take caution and keep small children and pets indoors.

In compliance with an order from the US Forest Service and the LA County Sheriff Department, the City is closing until further notice Bailey Canyon, Mt. Wilson Trail and access roads to Chantry Flats. These closures will continue throughout the Labor Day weekend and will be strictly enforced.

Fire conditions are changing constantly and this message contains the most current information the City of Sierra Madre has at this time. City Hall will be closed in observance of Labor Day Monday, September 7, 2009; however, City officials will continue to monitor and update the City’s message boards throughout the weekend. At this time, the City Council meeting for Tuesday, September 8, 2009, will take place at its regularly scheduled time.

For more information, please tune into SMTV3, channel 3 on Time Warner Cable, or www.sierramadrepio.blogspot.com. eBlasts will also be sent out to registered users – to register for email alerts please visit www.cityofsierramadre.com, click on AccessSierraMadre, and then click CommunicationLink to register your email address.

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Community Meeting will Update Residents on Fire Situation

A community meeting will be conducted by the Station Fire Incident Management Team (IMT) on Thursday, September 3, at 7:00 p.m., to update residents of Pasadena, Sierra Madre and Arcadia about the Station Fire that has been burning since last Thursday. City of Sierra Madre officials will be present as well.

The meeting will be at Pasadena Church of the Nazarene’s Lee Chapel, 3700 E. Sierra Madre Blvd.

The IMT is conducting a series of meetings in San Gabriel Valley foothill communities over the next few days, on Friday, the meeting will be held at the Azusa Senior Center at 7:00 p.m.

City Prepares for Station Fire

The Sierra Madre Fire Department and City Officials are closely monitoring the Station Fire. At this time, there is no imminent danger to Sierra Madre residents.

The City of Sierra Madre has begun preparations in case the Station Fire enters Sierra Madre. At this time the Station Fire continues to be a slow moving fire and if the fire continues moving toward Sierra Madre, officials do not expect it to enter the City for at least five days. This prediction is contingent on if the current weather conditions continue.

Today, fire officials began pre-treating the northern border of Sierra Madre by sending handcrews to work behind the northern-most properties in Sierra Madre creating a small fire break. This fire break is expected to extend from Altadena to Azusa.

Residents north of Carter Avenue traveling east to Mira Monte Avenue and across Alegria Avenue to Grandview Avenue are ask to begin their emergency preparations in case the City has to evacuate residents. Residents are reminded to be “Ready for 7” with 7 days worth of food, clothing, medicine, pet food and supplies should they have to leave their homes. If the City evacuates residents, an evacuation center will be set up at the Community Recreation Center at 611 E. Sierra Madre Blvd. Crated pets will be allowed.

As the fire continues to burn closer to Sierra Madre, wild animals will be leaving the forest and entering the City. Public Safety Officials warn residents to be cautious and leave them alone and to please not feed the wild animals. Residents may want to take caution and keep small children and pets indoors.

In compliance with an order from the US Forest Service and the LA County Sheriff Department, the City is closing until further notice Bailey Canyon, Mt. Wilson Trail and the road up to Chantry Flats.

For more information, please tune into SMTV3, channel 3 on Time Warner Cable, or www.sierramadrepio.blogspot.com. eBlasts will also be sent out to registered users – to register for email alerts please visit www.cityofsierramadre.com, click on AccessSierraMadre, and then click CommunicationLink to register your email address.

Other sources of information about the Station Fire can be found at InciWeb the Incident Information System http://inciweb.org/

City of Sierra Madre is Closely Monitoring the Station Fire

(no change from 9/1/09, update expected this afternoon)

The Sierra Madre Fire Department and City Officials are closely monitoring the Station Fire.

At this time, there is no imminent danger to our residents. In compliance with an order from the US Forest Service and the LA County Sheriff Department, the City is closing until further notice Bailey Canyon, Mt. Wilson Trail and the road up to Chantry Flats.

These are precautionary closures in response to the Los Angeles National Forest "Area Closure Order" which includes the mountain areas above Sierra Madre.

If the fire becomes a threat to Sierra Madre, information will be posted on the City web site, SMTV-3, e-Blast, and City of Sierra Madre Emergency Blog.

Other sources of information about the Station Fire can be found at InciWeb the Incident Information System http://inciweb.org/

and the web sites for the cities of
Glendale http://www.ci.glendale.ca.us/,
La Canada Flintridge http://www.lacanadaflintridge.com/ and
Pasadena http://www.cityofpasadena.net/.

JC