Orinda Arson Watch
Orinda, has extremely high risk wildland fire risk areas. Much of the community has dense woodlands and heavy brush on the hillsides around and within it. Fire is a constant threat to life and property.
Fortunately, Orinda has invested in a top-notch fire prevention district with excellent relations with the sourrounding fire districts. The District is in a position to respond quickly and effectively but early warning is always a huge help in containing fires that get started.
The most effective program for early warning of fire situations is an aware and active community. If people report smoke or suspicious situations, no matter how benign they turn out to be in the end, Fire Professionals can respond, asses the situation, and get involved as needed. The occasional well meaning false alarm is better than a missed opportunity to attack a potentially devastating fire before it becomes a danger to the surrounding community. As such, fire and arson watch training for Neighborhood Watch groups is a high priority. In addition, the Fire Corps will staff an Arson Watch Control Station and send out Arson Watch Teams to patrol the community during periods of heightened fire risk (primarily Red Flag days).