Laguna Beach Fire Department To Begin Fuel Modification in Zone 18 to Enhance Wildfire Safety

LAGUNA BEACH, CA – The Laguna Beach Fire Department is commencing work on a new fuel modification zone starting Wednesday, February 19, 2025. Fuel Modification Zone 18 (FMZ 18) is a critical fire prevention project aimed at reducing wildfire risk and enhancing public safety for residents in the Bluebird Canyon area. FMZ 18 encompasses approximately 8.7 acres at the lower end of Bluebird Canyon, between Bluebird Canyon Drive and Rancho Laguna Road to the north and Van Dyke Drive, Summit Way, and Summit Drive to the south.

The project will connect with existing Fuel Modification Zones 4 and 9, reinforcing Laguna Beach’s wildfire defense system. This area has never undergone fuel modification, leading to years of dense vegetation buildup. The project will remove dead vegetation and thin up to 50% of native species within a 100-foot buffer zone adjacent to residential neighborhoods. These efforts will significantly mitigate fire hazards by creating defensible space around homes, improving emergency access routes, and strengthening overall community resilience against wildfires.

“I’m eager to see the fuel modification project along Bluebird Canyon Drive move forward,” said Fire Chief Niko King. “This effort is crucial not only for protecting homes from the threat of a catastrophic wildfire but also for safeguarding a vital evacuation route for our community.”

This project is fully funded by grants and public funding, with no cost to property owners. However, property owners who opt out of participation may still be required to complete fire code-compliant fuel modification at their own expense.

Project Details:

• Start Date: February 19, 2025
• Duration: Initial work will continue for up to one year, with ongoing maintenance performed up to three times per year.
• Working Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Methods: Hand crews using chainsaws and other power tools—no heavy equipment will be used. Special care will be taken to preserve sensitive native species and ensure geologic stability.
• Access: Work will primarily take place in wildland perimeter areas. No entry into developed yards is required.

Residents with questions or concerns about the project are encouraged to contact Fire Marshal, Robert Montaghami at (949) 497-0352 or rmontaghami@lagunabeachcity.net.

For additional information on the Fuel Modification Program and fire prevention efforts, please visit: https://www.lagunabeachcity.net/government/departments/fire/fire-prevention.