Make sure your contractors and landscapers review this handbook BEFORE working on your home. This WUI Virtual Handbook for Fire Risk Assessments and Mitigation, from the Society of Fire Protection of Engineers (SFPE) and the SFPE Foundation, is an excellent resource for residents, contractors, landscapers, or anyone doing work on your home. It does an excellent […]
Handbook For Fire Risk Mitigation Read More »
The Goats Were Back! Your Oak Park Fire Safe Council represented well at the Ventura County Supervisor’s Office yearly community event at Fire Station 36 on October 25th. The goats were back along with the newly added library. Triunfo Water District and Athens Waste Disposal were there with their equipment, along with CERT, the local
OPFSC November 2025 Update Read More »
2025’s disaster losses hit $80 billion in just 6 months. That’s double the 10-year average. Here’s what changed: 2001: The worst terrorist attack in US history. Within 2 months, America created the TSA from scratch. Hurricane Katrina hits in 2005. We built a $14.5 billion hurricane protection system. For thousands of years, this was humanity’s
$80 billion of insurance losses in just 6 months Read More »
A wide range of bills now protect and assist residents’ recovery. Governor Newsom signed a bipartisan package of bills to aid in the rebuilding and recovery efforts in Los Angeles following the devastating fires earlier this year. This legislation represents one of the most significant reforms to the state’s disaster response, incorporating lessons learned and
Newsom Signs a Package of Wildfire Recovery Bills Read More »
Fire Station 36 Open House Saturday, October 25th, 10 am – 3 pm Fall is upon us and with it, fire season becomes top of mind. It’s a great time to be proactive to better secure your home from a devastating fire. Go to our site at opfsc.org and sign up for a home hardening assessment sponsored
OPFSC October 2025 Update Read More »
Home hardening alone raised survival to 25%. Hardening and clearing defensible space closest to the home up to 5 feet improved survivability to 40%. CBS News By: Kenny Choi CBS San Francisco September 15, 2025 Home hardening alone raised survival to 25%. Hardening and clearing defensible space closest to the home up to 5 feet
Improve Home’s Survivability by 40% Read More »
By: Todd LandoBattalion Chief, Wildfire Hazard Mitigation Specialist – Central Marin Fire Department September 25, 2025 The debate around California’s Zone Zero regulation has reached a critical point. What began as a necessary and science-backed policy proposal has become mired in misinformation, emotional appeals, and increasingly flawed logic. Much of this confusion can be traced
Zone Zero is Not Optional Read More »
This homeowner created a five foot Zone 0 buffer using smart landscaping and noncombustible materials—and they still have a yard with grass, trees, and flowers spaced out with nothing flammable right against the home. “Zone 0 isn’t about going bare,” says State Fire Marshal Daniel Berlant. “It’s about smart spacing and fire-resistant choices.” Homes with
This Home is Wildfire Ready – Is Yours? Read More »
As of July 1, 2021, California Assembly Bill 38 (AB 38) states that the seller of a residential property located in specified zones must submit documentation of compliance with locally adopted defensible space requirements prior to the close of escrow. The new home hardening and defensible space disclosure requirement in California, related to Assembly Bill 38,
Sellers Be Aware: New Disclosures Read More »
September is National Preparedness Month. It’s an annual observance sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to remind everyone to prepare for emergencies and disasters. For years, we have been talking about “Fire Season.” The trend in articles lately is to say Fire Season is now year-round. So, as we move into this dangerous period
Santa Ana Wind Season Read More »
