Helicopter will keep eye out

As the driest summer reported on record continues to ignite fires throughout Santa Barbara, Orange County and Griffith Park, the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department is stepping up precautionary measures for possible outbreaks.

The department, which recently received a helicopter from the sheriff 's facility at Long Beach Airport, is now patrolling the skies for Calabasas and surrounding areas.

"After consideration of the unusually dry conditions and fire dangers, the sheriff assigned a helicopter and crew to the Lost Hills Sheriff 's Department through Sept. 30, 2007," Calabasas city officials said in a statement.

The helicopter is assigned to the station for daytime hours Thursday through Monday. It will also fly on all red flag days up to and after Sept. 30.

- Joann Groff