The month of May officially marks the start of peak fire season in Orange County.

Just in time, I’m very pleased to announce that The Toll Roads has joined the County’s OC Fire Watch program as a major participant.

Last year, I partnered with Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) and OC Parks to launch the countywide fire watch program to alert the public of elevated fire dangers in wilderness parks and communities across Orange County during Red Flag conditions.

OC Fire Watch is intended to increase public awareness by raising red "Fire Alert" flags at OC Parks and other County facilities, as well as at OCFA fire stations and participating City Halls throughout Orange County.

The program also incorporates fire watch volunteers to help monitor the County’s wilderness parks, which are especially vulnerable to fire during Red Flag conditions.

Taking a proactive approach in preventing wildfires through education and encouraged vigilance, The Toll Roads will now utilize the changeable message signs along the roads as well as place special signs in toll plaza planters during Red Flag conditions to alert motorists of the increased fire danger.

Motorists inquiring about the conditions will receive a handout from toll attendants with tips for fire safety and prevention and information on the OC Fire Watch program.

Additionally, The Toll Roads will keep the public up to date on the conditions via its website and social media outlet pages.

For The Toll Roads, this partnership is a natural one not only because most wildfires in Orange County are started along roadsides, but because The Toll Roads has long aided the County in the battle against wildfires by allowing its roads to serve as fire breaks and staging areas for firefighting and emergency personnel during wildfires.

Now, by warning the public that Red Flag conditions are present and that extra vigilance is needed, The Toll Roads is helping reinforce the notion that residents can play a more active role in helping indentify roadside risks that could lead to wildfires.

For more information on OC Fire Watch, including how local residents can get involved in the program, I invite you to visit our new website at www.OCFireWatch.org.