Fire Maps Cause Concern

The Orange County Fire Authority was supposed to present information about updated fire hazard maps on Feb. 28. Before the meeting ended, approximately half of the 80 attendees walked out in frustration.

Residents who came to the meeting wanted information about the impact of having their neighborhoods designated as Very High Fire Severity Zones. Residents said the issues include liabilities, insurance, property values, annual inspections and fines that could be imposed on homeowners. When fire authority representatives instead wanted to “educate the public” on the cause of fires, the audience wasn’t having it.

Mission Viejo homeowners attending the meeting reside in such neighborhoods as Painted Trails, Canyon Crest, Stone Ridge and Casta del Sol, which are among the areas affected by the updated maps.

Residents’ complaints include the lack of notification, and they asked how long the city has known of the liabilities. City Hall not only has its own Website, email distribution, printed mailers and a flashing neon sign, it also controls the so-called “news” content of such publications as Saddleback Valley News. Residents are constantly updated on City Hall’s latest festivals and parties, and the city staff places announcements about “free” (taxpayer funded) movies in the PennySaver.

A homeowner in Painted Trails noted how the information slipped out of the city’s grasp during the Feb. 28 meeting. He said, “If it weren’t for Councilwoman Cathy Schlicht, we wouldn’t have heard about this. She’s the only one who cares about the residents.” The city’s representative on the Orange County Fire Authority is Councilwoman Trish Kelley.

Another presentation by the Fire Authority will take place at a public hearing during the Mar. 5 council meeting.