The risk of catastrophic wildfire, however, is anything but ideal. Most of the 35,000 acre area has not seen a significant fire in more than 50 years, and the resulting build-up of highly flammable brush and other fuels has created an extreme hazard for this quiet community. Local vegetation is adapted to the periodic fires that sweep the area and many thrive afterwards by sprouting or germinating after a burn. Fire is the norm, not the exception.
Residents have to learn how to respond and protect their property.
Firefighters may not be available when they need them. Because of the high risk of catastrophic wildfire, the RCD, in cooperation with the Forest Service and other agencies, organized a year long Fire Safe Descanso Educational Program. The goal was to educate residents about the dangers of the situation and teach them how to protect themselves and their community. There were radio spots and press releases, postcards and presentations to homeowner associations. Two workshops were also held to educate residents on the fire hazards that exist and ways to reduce those hazards.