LA CAÑADA FLINTRIDGE — Whether tackling responsibilities for Thursday's Chatsworth brush fire, keeping tabs on breaking news or boosting fire safety awareness, Los Angeles County Assistant Fire Chief Bill Niccum's duties never end.
The 37-year county fire veteran took over as Division III's assistant fire chief two weeks ago, replacing Chief John Gee, said the department's spokeswoman, Stephanie English.
Niccum's schedule has been nonstop since he took over the position, which oversees emergency operations for the county's northern cities, including La Cañada Flintridge, Santa Clarita and Chatsworth, and unincorporated communities such as La Crescenta.
With the high threat of fire this season, Niccum said one of his major goals as the new chief will be educating residents on the "Ready, Set, Go" wildfire action plan. The plan, created in June 2009, aims to help hillside residents properly safeguard their homes from wildfires.
About 38,000 residents who live along urban wildland have been mailed fliers about the plan, he said.