Pasadena Fire Chief Warns Community of Increased Risk of Wildfires This Season – Pasadena Now

Pasadena's fire chief has issued a stark warning about the increased wildfire risks the city faces this summer, citing a combination of hot, dry weather and increased vegetation due to recent record rainfall.

“With more fuels, there is more material to burn once a fire starts,” Fire Chief Chad Augustin said in an interview Sunday with Pasadena now. He stressed the critical importance of brush clearing in Pasadena this year.

Chief Augustin said dangerous fire conditions are emerging earlier this summer, even with relatively high fuel moisture. As fuels dry out and temperatures rise, conditions become ripe for potentially devastating wildfires.

The Pasadena Fire Department has taken proactive measures to address the elevated threat, he said. As of June 1, firefighters had carried out almost 4,000 residential inspections in high fire risk areas to ensure properties were as safe as possible from fire.

Chief Augustin announced additional personnel and patrols throughout the week. Fire management will continually evaluate weather conditions to guide increased troop levels, he said.

The Department is also preparing for an increase in fire risks from fireworks in the next two weeks. Dedicated fireworks task forces will be on duty for prevention and enforcement, complementing regular patrols.

Augustin stressed the importance of resident preparation, urging each household to gather a “go bag” of essentials for 24 to 72 hours.

“Thinking that a wildfire is going to happen can mean the difference between life and death,” he said.

The city recently implemented a citywide evacuation plan.

Residents are encouraged to register for emergency notification systems such as PLEAS, NIXLE and Map Your Neighborhood to receive timely information in the event of an emergency.

Pasadena also introduced a modified CERT program called “Prepared Pasadena,” providing essential preparedness training to businesses and community groups. The four-hour program includes evacuation planning.

Nallely Procopio, the city's first full-time emergency services coordinator, developed this program.

Chief Augustin highlighted the Department’s collaboration with neighboring agencies and access to additional resources. Arrangements are in place for water planes, hand crews and bulldozers from partner ministries if necessary.

“I want our community to know that we have agreements in place with all of the neighboring fire agencies,” Augustin said, emphasizing the importance of mutual aid during large wildfires. He noted that many agencies would assist in the event of a major wildfire.

The fire department also works with the state Office of Emergency Services to ensure the region has the latest technology in early fire detection. Augustin stressed that early detection is crucial to limiting the spread of fires.

Despite the increased risks, the fire chief encouraged residents to enjoy their summer safely.

“We are all in this together,” he concluded, emphasizing the role of the community in preventing fires.