The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority announced Tuesday that more than 80 wildland fire-trained personnel will patrol its parklands during Fourth of July celebrations as part of an expanded public safety and wildfire prevention effort.
The annual deployment includes more than 50 firefighters, seasonal personnel, paid call-out staff and volunteers who will patrol MRCA parklands from the Pacific Coast to Santa Clarita aboard fire engines. Eleven pieces of firefighting equipment, including fire engines and tactical water tenders, will be strategically positioned throughout the agency’s jurisdiction.
“The MRCA will be out in full force on the Fourth of July to patrol its parklands and curb illegal activity,” Chief Fire Management Officer Ken Nelson said in a statement. “Our crews are well-trained and ready to respond to the threat posed by dry brush, fireworks and warm weather.”
An additional 30 MRCA rangers, operations staff and public officers — many of whom are certified wildland firefighters — will conduct safety patrols and enforcement operations in high-traffic areas including Mulholland Drive, Topanga Canyon, the 118 corridor and Malibu, the agency said.
“We are very prepared and ready to respond,” Chief Ranger Fernando Gomez said. “We want the public to understand that some areas may be closed. Be vigilant, read signs, and pay attention to your surroundings. Stay safe!”
In Malibu, firefighting equipment will be pre-positioned while fire and ranger patrols monitor MRCA coastal locations, including Winding Way and Lechuza Beach, through the evening and into the early morning hours, the agency said.
Along Mulholland Drive, the Jerome C. Daniel Overlook above the Hollywood Bowl and the Universal Overlook will close at 6 p.m., while all other overlooks will close to vehicle traffic at 5 p.m. Rangers will patrol the area and issue citations as necessary.
The Los Angeles Police Department, Los Angeles Department of Transportation and Recreation and Parks rangers also will assist with enforcement.
In Topanga Canyon, security guards and MRCA personnel will staff the Top of Topanga Overlook from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. through the holiday weekend. Rangers and fire protection staff also will coordinate with Topanga Arson Watch volunteers and deputies from the Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station.
The MRCA manages more than 80,000 acres of parkland and works with local, state and federal agencies on wildfire prevention, resource protection and emergency response.