Arson Watch Patrol

Sadly, arson is a crime that is all too prevalent. As Griffith park still recovers from a series of fires set in 2008, the '09 Station Fire became the latest lesson to keep our guard up. In communities with a wildland interface, the threat of arson is multiplied – and Burbank sits nestled against the Verdugo Mountains. Our most recent battle there was the '05 Harvard Fire, an 1100 acre wildland blaze that was close enough to a densely populated metro area to garner national attention.

Fire Corps volunteers take part in the defense against criminal fire activity – where one well-placed fire can threaten lives and do millions of dollars in damage. Arson Watch provides marked vehicle patrols, creating a presence in the Burbank hillside on days and times designated by the Burbank Fire Department (usually during "red flag" weather conditions). Arson Watch patrols locate and note vehicles, suspicious behavior and potentially dangerous activity in areas prone to fire. Patrol units continuously radio updates to the Arson Watch Command Post, which relays critical information to Burbank Police or Fire.

In addition to vehicle patrols, the Arson Watch Patrol has foot patrols that hike the local trails. These foot patrols perform the same activity as the vehicle patrols as well as educate other hikers as to the potential fire dangers of Verdugo hillside during extreme fire weather.

During the rainy season, the Arson Watch Patrol becomes the Storm Watch Patrol. On designated days when rainfall reaches certain threshold limits, or under certain conditions when severe weather is expected, the Storm Watch Patrol is activated. The Storm Watch Patrol checks for high volume water flow and for any mud flow along the hillside.

Training

BFCP members training for Arson Watch duty learn weather analysis, observation techniques, patrol patterns and basic fire suppression. While we do not engage those engaged in suspicious behavior, we do create a neighborhood presence and therefore brush up on public interface. Finally, there is a radio instruction component. This is a two hour class.

Arson Watch-trained members may continue on to Department Vehicle Use I or II.

If you've seen the Arson Watch Patrol in your neighborhood, or would like more information, contact arsonwatch@burbankfirecorps.org.