Fire Prep in Old Agoura

The Sandy Fire in Simi Valley on May 18, 2026 was unnerving but a wonderful chance to prepare ourselves for a mandatory evacuation. A huge thank you to City Staff for all the support, direct communication, and for bringing in evacuation facilitators from AJS to help with traffic and other logistics!

DO TODAY:

• Prep Go Bags and an Evac Plan - Click here for a suggested list

  

• Sign up for Evacuation Zone Data and updates at https://protect.genasys.com/ - most of OA is zone AGO-C304 and one part of Chesebro is CSB-U024

• Download apps to stay informed of the situation and environment. Suggested:

  • app.watchduty.org - incident monitoring and maps with updates

  • alertca.live - live webcams and maps

  • windy.com - live wind and other weather data

  • https://chat.whatsapp.com/G1NyIN1Iur6DhVKlYBORX7 - Whatsapp chat group for Old Agoura. Connect with your neighbors directly to share

    info, get or offer help, or just for fun. This is where we all try to post updates from the City and first responders as best we can

• If you have large animals and no trailer, identify a hauler or download the Pet Help and Rescue App https://www.phar.org/

• Take video/pictures of your home and garage for insurance claims. Get a shot of the contents of drawers and closets, fine art, anything you may want to claim if the worst happens.

• Gas up your vehicles

DO SOON:

• Get a free, confidential Home Ignition Zone Assessment - fire experts walk the perimeter of your home and advise you on landscaping and home hardening techniques to minimize the chance of your home surviving a wildfire. Some organizations that do this are:

  • https://laepf.org/ignition-zone

  • https://agourahillsfsc.org/

• Look into installing fire-resistant mesh to cover attic vents. The city provides free mesh for you to self-install https://agourahillsfsc.org/home-hardening-program/. There are also companies that will do this for you, such as blazeblockers.com.

STAY ALERT FOR EVACUATION WARNINGS:

This is the time load the car with the go bags, have pets ready to go. Evacuate early if you have large animals, elderly or disabled household members, or just want to evacuate in style and normal road conditions.

EVACUATION ORDER / MANDATORY EVACUATION for the zone you're in (see above) means IT IS TIME TO GO:

• Try your best to stay calm. We know it's frightening and easier said than done.

• Leave electric gates open.

• Bring in patio cushions, umbrellas or anything else flammable that can blow around and become a giant, mobile torch.

• Open hoses with sprayer nozzles and unwind them or make them easily visible for fire personnel.

• Shut windows and doors. Some people leave their doors unlocked to allow fire crews easier entry.

• Check on neighbors you think may need help as you leave, such as elderly or those who do not use apps etc.

I'm sure you have other great tips...please comment or share your experience with this evacuation!