Photo: Greg Doyle
Topanga is famous for its independently-minded, self-sufficient residents. Some folks say they are determined to stay behind and fight a wildfire to protect their property. It’s likely many of these well-intentioned people have underestimated the extremely hazardous conditions surrounding a raging wildfire.
100-FOOT FLAME HEIGHTS
NO OXYGEN
80-MILE-PER-HOUR WINDS
2,000 DEGREE TEMPERATURES
TOXIC GASES FROM BURNING HOMES
SMOKE SO THICK IT LOOKS LIKE NIGHTTIME AT NOON
You want to be as far away from these conditions as possible. You also don't want to be on the roads with hundreds of other people when a huge fire is bearing down on you. Our roads are dangerous on bright, sunny days, but in heavy smoke conditions, visibility drops to zero.
Become familiar with the Zone you live in and other Zones you frequent. Refer to these individual zone maps for details.
When there’s smoke in the air and evacuation orders being issued for your Zone, it’s hard to think straight and make sound decisions. Keep three evacuation lists in a visible spot in your home, based on how much time you have before you need to leave. You don’t have to think under pressure—just follow your directions.
