During the Fire of November 2008 many homeowners decided to ignore evacuation orders and stay to protect their houses. Now, Orange County Fire Authority officials said they are rolling ahead aggressively with a plan to educate homeowners on how to protect their homes if they ignore evacuation orders the next time a fire happens.
Officials from OCPFA said they are concerned about the speed at which the plan is being implemented, and that by teaching residents how to protect their home, the department might be encouraging people to place themselves in harm’s way. If more people decide to ignore evacuation orders, firefighting resources might have to be diverted to save people instead of fighting fires.
I’m sorry, but it sounds like they are saying this to Cover Their Butt’s. I don’t live up in the hills where most of the fire was located, but if I did I would get my family out and stay behind to protect my home if there was no other help. So I think the training should be mandatory for all those who live in a high fire danger area, even if you do decide to leave.
Fire Authority officials have scheduled a meeting at the Yorba Linda Community Center for Feb. 11, at which residents will receive an instructional video and information on how to protect their homes. The meeting will include vendors that provide equipment and materials to help fight fires, said Kris Concepcion, battalion chief. Residents will also have to create a plan on what to do before, during, and after a fire.
