Costa Mesa will host fire meeting today

In the spirit of community, city leaders will team with residents

tonight for a town hall meeting about the recent rash of Costa Mesa

fires.

Leaders of the Monticello Community Assn., an elected group of

residents who govern the complex that was recently rocked by two fires,

scheduled a meeting to help neighbors move forward after the tragedies.

The town hall forum is at 7:30 p.m. in Council Chambers at 77 Fair Drive,

Costa Mesa.

One fire, which jolted the sleepy community at 3:28 a.m. Feb. 28 with

a thunderous explosion, claimed the life of a 68-year-old resident and

damaged a handful of surrounding units. The second in the complex, a

little more than 48 hours later on March 2, killed at least five family

pets and rubbed salt in the wounds of still-stunned neighbors.

Volunteers from the Trauma Intervention Program will be on hand to

discuss the feelings of vulnerability, disbelief and grief about the

fires. Fire officials will also outline fire safety and prevention

methods to help prevent future disasters.

Mayor Linda Dixon will also attend a talk with the community and

listen to the concerns of those residents who are worried about the

possibility of flammable materials or “clutter” in their neighbors’

houses. Because of the close proximity of the townhomes, many residents

have expressed a fear that one neighbor’s hobby could put others in

danger.