Stay and Defend your home?

L.A. County Fire Chief Endorses Resident Training to Stay and Defend Homes – A Step Forward for Wildfire Resilience

At Fast Fire Network, we're always tracking developments that empower homeowners and communities to better protect their properties in the face of escalating wildfire threats. A recent CBS News report (September 2, 2025) highlights a significant shift in Los Angeles County: Fire Chief Anthony Marrone is openly supporting training programs that allow properly prepared residents to stay behind and defend their homes during wildfires, rather than evacuating every time.

For decades, the standard directive has been clear and unequivocal: when an evacuation order is issued, leave immediately. This "leave early" approach prioritizes life safety above all else. However, Chief Marrone explained to CBS News that the county is moving away from that one-size-fits-all narrative. He stated: "We've always told people that when the evacuation order comes, you must leave... We've departed from that narrative. With the proper training, with the proper equipment, and with the proper home hardening and defensible space, you can stay behind and prevent your house from burning down."

This evolving perspective comes amid intensifying wildfire risks driven by climate change, longer fire seasons, and strained firefighting resources. Officials recognize that not all situations require full evacuation—especially when homes are well-prepared—and that trained, equipped residents can make a real difference in defending structures until professional crews arrive.

The report underscores the critical pillars of this approach:

• Home hardening — Using fire-resistant materials, clearing vents, and fortifying structures.

• Defensible space — Maintaining cleared zones around properties to slow fire spread.

• Proper training and equipment — Equipping residents with the knowledge and tools to act safely and effectively.

These elements align closely with what we've long advocated at Fast Fire Network. Our mission has always focused on delivering rapid, effective property protection through education, preparation, and practical strategies tailored to high-risk wildland-urban interfaces.

Programs like the ones emerging in L.A. County echo successful "stay and defend" models from places like Australia, where prepared homeowners have saved homes under controlled conditions. The key is preparation: no one should stay behind without rigorous assessment of risks, personal capability, and official guidance.

At Fast Fire Network, we offer exactly the kind of customized training that builds this capability:

• Hands-on workshops on creating and maintaining defensible space.

• Guidance on structural hardening and ember-resistant upgrades.

• Community sessions for neighborhoods and HOAs on coordinated defense tactics.

• Leadership and crisis response training informed by decades of fire service expertise.

As Chief Marrone's comments suggest, informed residents aren't just bystanders—they can become part of the solution when conditions allow. This isn't about encouraging recklessness; it's about giving people options through preparation and knowledge.

If you're in a wildfire-prone area like Southern California, now is the time to get ahead. Contact Fast Fire Network to explore training that fits your needs—whether you're a homeowner looking to harden your property or a community group building neighborhood resilience.

Link to CBS Article:

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/citizen-firefighters-wildfire-community-brigade-los-angeles