Be careful with water during fire season




Las Virgenes Municipal Water District customers are reminded to be cautious in how they use water during times of elevated fire danger.

“Many customers have misperceptions on how to prepare when a fire is approaching their neighborhood,” said John Mundy, district general manager.

“As a result of poor practices, such as wetting roofs or spraying vegetation, they actually reduce water pressure where it may be needed or, worse, empty storage tanks resulting in an interruption of service.”

The district recommends that all homeowners follow the advice of the Los Angeles County Fire Department by clearing a perimeter around the structure, sealing off vents where sparks and embers can enter a building and keeping combustible items such as patio furniture away from the structure.

More information is available in the department’s “Ready Set Go” booklet, which can be viewed at www.fire.lacounty.gov.

“During past fire events we have seen customers turn on their irrigation systems and hose down rooftops,” said Mundy. “In most instances, all this does is waste water and strain the system, especially at higher elevations. During a fire event, we try to operate the water system in direct support of firefighting efforts.”

Customers are reminded that professional firefighters and water district technicians are the only personnel authorized to use a hydrant.

“Connecting the wrong type of hose or using the wrong tools can have serious consequences,” said Terry DeJournett, acting assistant fire chief. “Improper use of hydrants can result in exposure to lethal water pressure, changes in water pressure elsewhere in the system and can cause damage that could render the hydrant inoperable to firefighters.”

Residents can prepare for a fire by filling buckets and bathtubs with water and soaking towels to douse embers or small spot fires. Homeowners also can purchase pumps that spray water from swimming pools.


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