LANCASTER, Calif. – High temperatures and dry conditions are the perfect storm when it comes to wildfires. The Angeles National Forest is hoping for the best, but preparing for the worst this Labor Day weekend.

The Helitack crew with the Angeles National Forest prepares their helicopter for the event of an emergency every day.

“That’s what our job essentially is. It is to make sure folks come home at the end of the day, or if they don’t come home at the end of the day, they are safe at the end of the day. We make sure the pilot has what he needs and help the incident in any way we can,” said Helitack Captain, Kevin Christy.

Christy has his team on high alert for fire danger that may lie ahead this weekend. The captain regularly discusses the weather, temperature, and conditions with his crew. According to the NWS, dangerous heat is expected this Labor Day weekend, which increases the potential for fires. With dry conditions in SoCal and people heading outside for the holiday, Christy's crew has to be ready to go in an instant.

“It’s ops normal in the way we are ready to fight fire, but it’s slightly different because there are different factors that are going to influence how the fire is going to burn, as opposed to a day where it’s cool and cloudy outside and the risk of the large fire growth and plume dominated fires is potentially low,” said Christy.

They keep the chopper loaded with their gear, water, food, tools and other implements to support any fire fight. The helicopter also conducts water drops, assisting boots on the ground.

The Angeles National Forest has also begun instituting road closures citing fire hazards. This is happening in mountain areas that only have one way in and out. They want to keep the roads open in case of emergency.

“They’re just anticipating more people and more traffic on the weekend, especially with Labor Day coming up. They are doing their part to try to mitigate anything that could potentially happen if they don’t have to,” said Christy.

He also knows many people flock to the forest when it’s hot, especially for long weekends, so he wants everyone to stay vigilant and follow the rules like having no open flames and not shooting guns.

“The fact of the matter is when you get conditions like this, it doesn’t take long for a fire to get big fast. One spark could really go, so keep your heads up,” said Christy.

The Angeles National Forest wants you to do your part to keep the wildfire threat down this weekend. Right now, the fire threat is extreme, and here is what it means for you:

• No Fireworks
• No shooting of tracer, armor piercing, steel core, or Teflon ammunition
• Welding, grinding, cutting and use of explosives only with proper permit
• Spark arrestors are required on off-highway vehicles, chainsaws, and other equipment
• Smoking only in enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material
• Selected recreation areas and facilities are subject to closure
• Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire is prohibited

The forest supervisor may designate locations with special circumstances where dispersed recreation and/or day use can be allowed.

Contact the District Office for more information.