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"Smoke in the air
meeting" - a success !
Several Neighbors and Residents of Trabuco
Canyon,
along with representatives from OC Fire and the
Cleveland National attended our "Smoke In The Air"
meeting in O'Neil Park on Saturday August 22nd.
 Mike
Milligan (Supervisor of Holy Jim Fire Crew) led the presentation.
Mike is a veteran of many fires here and
long time resident. We saw through his eyes
valuable lessons in preparation and decision making.
What is right, and safe for various situations. Mike
provided a history of the Holy Jim Fire Department and
explained its role in supporting the community and how
it fits in with the local departments.
 Mike's
presentation covered many topics including the
importance of making your homes accessible and
defendable during a fire. Keeping roads clear of
vehicles and large animals is key. Mike explained
several ways to protect your houses from an approaching
fire but his bottom line recommendation was, make a
plan, do what you can to be prepared but leave early.
Dave Seroski's presentation covered some of the
practical ways to protect yourself and your property
including safety wear, the use of foams and gels, water
sources and pumps. Both Mike and Dave stressed the
importance of communications during a fire and described
how FRS, GMRS, Ham Radio and the new business band
repeater that is being worked on all have their place in
getting information into and out of an affected area.
[As time permits I will add an article to this site
covering communications in more detail - ED]
Dave wrapped up his presentation by demonstrating the
use of one of the pumps that is featured on our
equipment page.
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"...Even
after the deadly Australian fire, researchers agreed
that the "stay and defend" policy was fundamentally
sound. Some communities in Southern California and parts
of rural Montana are copying the Australian approach. -
