Editor,
(This letter also went to city leaders.)
As if more evidence was needed to demonstrate the moronic behavior of some visitors to the wilderness areas, last week dried twigs were placed on one of the concrete structures on top of the Carolyn Wood Knoll and set ablaze! This within feet of the Hazardous Fire Area sign, proving that signs alone do not and will not serve as a deterrent.
From a legal standpoint, I believe there is ample evidence that the Knoll has become an attractive nuisance. As such, to mitigate the city’s potential liability, it’s time to consider erecting a chain link fence around the entire circumference of the Knoll. The precedent for such action was set many years go when such a barrier was installed to control access to and around the newly installed water tank.
For those who might complain about the esthetic impact of a fence, compare that to the devastating visuals a wildfire would leave behind. One only need look across the way at the scarred landscape created by the very recent blaze in the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park.
It’s time that the city step up to the reality that passive measures will not get the job done. Aggressive steps must be taken immediately to prevent an all-consuming wildfire.
Jerry King, Laguna Beach
