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LA County Fire warns of active 2025 season; burning index 70 for Malibu, urges 'Ready, Set, Go' preparedness
Summary
Los Angeles County Fire Assistant Chief Drew Smith told the Malibu City Council the 2025 fire season is likely to remain active: below‑normal precipitation, normal‑to‑above‑normal Santa Ana wind risks into November, and a current local burning index of 70. He urged residents to prepare family evacuation plans and noted fuel, weather and operational constraints for aircraft during extreme wind events.
Assistant Chief Drew Smith of the Los Angeles County Fire Department told the Malibu City Council on Aug. 11 that this year's fire season is expected to be active and challenging for Southern California. Using a combination of National Weather Service outlooks, county weather stations and fire‑behavior analysis, Smith said precipitation through November is likely to be below normal near the coast and that Santa Ana wind activity is expected to be normal to above normal in October and November. "We usually have eight Santa Ana events," he said, "and particularly dangerous situations (PDS) challenge our aerial assets when sustained winds exceed mid‑30s and gusts climb into the hundreds."
Smith described the county's local operational measures and the science behind daily risk assessments. He said the FireONE and automated weather‑station network produce a daily burning index; Malibu's burning index was 70 on the day of the presentation, a level the department interprets as "routine" with spot fire potential and operational implications for initial attack. Smith emphasized that annual grasses and low live‑fuel moisture are the primary drivers of large fire starts on routine days and explained how steep slope, solar exposure and wind alignment increase risk and fire growth potential.
On response capabilities, Smith said County aircraft can be on‑scene from air bases such as Camp 8 within roughly 12 minutes when available but noted aircraft availability depends on other incidents, prepositioning and weather limitations. He said that when a PDS occurs, high winds can remove aircraft from the response and greatly complicate suppression. The department stressed the importance of the "Ready, Set, Go" approach: have a family plan, know your evacuation zone, and act promptly at warnings or orders. "Time is the most valuable component," Smith said.
During questions, councilmembers and the public asked about local mitigation work. Smith said hand crews, MRCA and partner agencies have been performing brush clearance, targeted fuel‑reduction projects and that grazing (goats) is being used in some damaged areas to reduce fine fuels. He also discussed camera networks tied into AlertCalifornia and how NOAA/Alert FM/indoor receiver options might be used to supplement cellphone alerts and public education. The council requested follow‑up reports on camera and indoor‑alert testing and the department's planned fall readiness measures.
The presentation closed with a reminder: maintain defensible space year round, enroll in local alert systems and be ready to move without delay when officials issue evacuation warnings or orders.
