In a landmark move to enhance public safety and reduce wildfire risk, the City of Hidden Hills has enacted Ordinance No. 393, becoming the first municipality in California to implement legally enforceable restrictions on high-risk outdoor activities during Red Flag Warnings issued by the National Weather Service.
Developed in close collaboration with the Los Angeles County Fire Department, this proactive ordinance targets common ignition sources during periods of elevated fire danger—typically marked by strong winds, low humidity, or dry lightning.
Prohibited Activities During Red Flag Warnings Include:
- Use of portable outdoor barbecue grills.
- Any outdoor fire pits, fireplaces, or open flame fires of any kind.
- Activities that could generate sparks or flames outdoors.
- Outdoor smoking of tobacco, cannabis, or any inhalable product.
- Use of gasoline or propane-powered tools or equipment for property maintenance or repair (e.g., lawnmowers, trimmers, chainsaws, grinders, welders, portable generators).
The Los Angeles County Fire Department, in coordination with the National Weather Service (NWS), provides advance public notifications when Red Flag conditions are forecast. These alerts are issued early to ensure residents have ample time to prepare, take necessary precautions, and comply with all restrictions in place during a Red Flag Warning.
“This ordinance reflects our unwavering commitment to public safety and environmental responsibility,” said Hidden Hills Council Member Laura McCorkindale. “By taking decisive action, we aim to reduce the likelihood of wildfire ignition during the most dangerous weather conditions.”
Recent wildfires in Malibu, Pacific Palisades, and Altadena underscore the critical importance of prioritizing public safety and protecting homes and natural surroundings. While investigations are still underway, preliminary reports from the Palisades Fire suggest that high-risk outdoor activity, potentially fireworks, may have been a contributing factor.
“In Hidden Hills, we don’t wait for disaster to strike before we act,” said Mayor Larry Weber. “By restricting spark-producing equipment on Red Flag days, we’re not only responding to the growing wildfire threat—we’re leading with prevention. These proactive steps are part of a broader commitment to keep our residents and landscapes safe.”
The forward-thinking steps to reduce ignition risks were recognized and supported by the Los Angeles County Fire Department, given the ever-present threat of wildfire. These measures are especially critical during high wind events, when wildfires can spread exponentially faster due to embers from such equipment traveling long distances and igniting new fires.
Hidden Hills City Council has a tradition of wildfire prevention and mitigation efforts. The city is a designated Firewise Community and has installed perimeter wildfire detection cameras as part of the statewide Cal Fire/UC San Diego network. This system includes thousands of interconnected cameras across California that play a critical role in early fire detection and real-time monitoring.