FIRE PROTECTION–Ventura Country Fire Chief Bob Roper speaks to Thousand Oaks homeowners about protecting their homes against wildfires during a meeting earlier this week in Newbury Park. RICHARD GILLARD/Acorn Newspapers With the arrival of fire season in Conejo Valley, officials are continuing their efforts to keep residents aware of the danger and methods of fire prevention.

Ventura County Fire Chief Bob Roper outlined the main hazards and the department’s concerns for homeowners during a meeting on Monday.

Roper said most fires spread and new ones start because of embers. When a fire spreads, hot air rises and creates embers, which can be carried up to a mile away.

If embers come into contact with substances that easily combust, a new fire will start.

The fire department has been trying to increase awareness about fire safety.

“What we try to do is is get people to talk to their neighbors,” Roper said.

Homeowners should be particularly vigilant when it comes to pine trees, wooden decks and wooden fences attached to the house, and dried leaves sitting in gutters or on roofs.

Residents are also advised to keep firewood at least 30 feet away from the house.

A feature of the county fire department’s Wildfire Action Plan called “Ready, Set, Go!” provides instruction and information on what to keep away from a house, what to do in case of evacuation and more.

The plan calls for clearing brush away from the home and making sure there are no tree limbs hanging over the house or leaves in the gutter.

It also asks that a house have two emergency exits mapped out in advance.

The plan also details what to do once a fire has started and when residents must evacuate.

Roper emphasized that people should use preventive measures to prepare for fires.

“We want your house to stand,” he said. “Our goal, No. 1, is public safety.”

If residents are prepared when a fire strikes, more resources will be available for the fire department to battle the fire.

Roper said he’s hoping Conejo Valley residents can “slide through” this season and avoid any serious fires.

For more information on wildfire preparation or to download a Ready, Set, Go! Wildfire Action Plan, visit http:// fire.countyofventura.org.

The fire department will conduct a personal inspection of a house to look for fire hazards.

For an inspection, call (805) 371-1111.