During a recent city council meeting in San Juan Capistrano, officials proclaimed the period from midsummer to early autumn as Wildfire Awareness and Prevention Season. Chief Shane Mahl highlighted the critical need for public education and preparedness as California faces an increasing threat from wildfires, exacerbated by climate change, persistent drought, and severe winds.

In 2020, California experienced a record-breaking 4 million acres burned, but recent years have shown a significant decrease, with approximately 325,000 acres affected in the past year—well below the five-year average of over 2 million acres. Despite this positive trend, officials warned that more than 25% of the state's population resides in high fire-risk areas, making proactive measures essential.

The city encourages residents to engage in the \"Ready, Set, Go\" program, which provides resources for preparing homes and families for potential evacuations. Chief Mahl emphasized the importance of creating defensible space around homes and having emergency plans in place, including go-bags with essential items.

Additionally, the meeting addressed recent investigations into a series of intentionally set vegetation fires in San Juan Capistrano. Over the past few months, nearly 30 small fires were reported, prompting a collaborative investigation by the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) and the Sheriff's Department. The efforts led to the arrest of a suspect on multiple felony arson charges, highlighting the community's commitment to fire safety and prevention.

As the region enters its peak fire season, officials reiterated the importance of community involvement in wildfire prevention and preparedness, urging residents to take proactive steps to protect their homes and families.