The volunteers at EPIC-FSC (Emergency Preparedness in Calabasas), in partnership with the City of Calabasas want to bring to your attention a new UCLA study published in Science Advances, that clearly confirms what we’ve been emphasizing: fire season is no longer seasonal.

EPIC-FSC Has Been Sounding the Alarm And Now There is Proof

The study points to rising temperatures and earlier snowmelt, which are drying out vegetation much sooner in the year. Notably, the researchers also concluded that human-caused climate change – not natural variability – is the primary driver of this trend. The Palisades fire that ushered in 2025 makes the reality impossible to ignore. This is why community preparedness cannot be seasonal. We need to stay ready all year long — and EPIC is here to support residents with the resources, training, and free home hardening assessments needed to do exactly that.

Our City Is Taking Action and EPIC is Here to Support YOU!

In recognition of this growing threat, the Calabasas City Council recently voted unanimously to increase funding for:

Firewise Community Participation

This voluntary, nationally recognized program that brings neighbors together to reduce wildfire risks and improve overall safety. By taking part, residents collaborate with local fire authorities to assess hazards, implement mitigation strategies, and adopt home hardening practices. It’s a proactive, community-driven effort that empowers neighborhoods to take ownership of wildfire preparedness—through education, fuel reduction projects, and ongoing communication—ultimately increasing resilience and helping protect lives, homes, and natural landscapes.

Brush Clearance Efforts

The City of Calabasas supports brush clearance through a comprehensive, year-round program that combines education, direct mitigation efforts and enforcement. Working in partnership with the Los Angeles County Fire Department, the City ensures that residents in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, like Calabasas, receive annual notices and inspections, requiring them to maintain defensible space and comply with state and local fire codes. In addition the City provides public education on wildfire safety through videos, community meetings, and support from EPIC-FSC volunteers. Calabasas also manages fuel reduction in public rights-of-way, medians, and open space areas through the Landscape Lighting and Assessment District (LLAD 24), helping reduce community-wide ignition risk and promote safer evacuation routes.

Home Hardening Initiatives

The City of Calabasas promotes home hardening through a coordinated program that includes free, on-site assessments conducted by EPIC-FSC volunteers trained by CAL FIRE, a series of short educational videos produced by the City and Los Angeles County Fire Department, and ongoing community outreach through town halls and online resources. These initiatives help residents identify structural vulnerabilities, improve defensible space, and adopt proven mitigation techniques—protecting the home ignition zone and ensuring homeowners are better protected and more eligible for insurance coverage. Please visit the CalabasasFirewise.com website for a list of vendors you may consider for hire. Vent screens are one of the most important steps you can take to prevent embers from getting inside your roof. Here’s a link to the Materials and Installers Page: https://calabasasfirewise.com/materials-and-installers/.

Let’s Look Out for Each Other

When it comes to friends and neighbors—especially seniors or anyone with limited mobility—a little connection goes a long way. That’s why we’ve created a simple Emergency Contact Card you can fill out and share. It’s an easy way to stay connected and make sure no one is left on their own when it matters most. Download yours today and help build a more prepared, caring community.

Stay Safe, Stay Connected, Stay EPIC!