The Best Way to Protect Your Community Is to Be a Part of the Solution.

Arson Watch volunteers patrol our Santa Monica Mountains during high-risk conditions — present, prepared, and ready when it matters most.

40 Years.
All Volunteers.
Still Patrolling.

Arson Watch is a volunteer patrol program affiliated with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

Working under the guidance of the Lost Hills Sheriff's Station, our volunteers patrol the Santa Monica Mountain Communities during Red Flag conditions and high-risk periods — deterring risky behavior, spotting hazards early, and serving as the eyes and ears of our mountain communities.

In California, arson alone accounts for 10–15% of wildfires*. In fire-prone areas like ours, increasingly threatened by extreme weather events, early detection and deterrence can save lives and homes. A visible, trained volunteer presence makes a difference.

*CAL FIRE (2024)

Learn more About us
Large fire with thick black and grey smoke billowing into the sky behind trees and buildings, with cars stopped on a curved road in the foreground.. Photo by Will Carey

  • No bureaucracy, no rigid schedule — just show up when conditions call

  • Every volunteer lives in the communities we protect

  • Team meetings cover field preparedness and relationship-building across fire, sheriff, utility, and nonprofit partners

  • The work is quiet. The impact isn’t.

Learn about our History
A group of around 20 people gathered together in a room for a photo, some are sitting at a table and others are standing behind them, with a variety of casual and uniformed clothing, including some with badges and caps.
A group of around 20 people gathered together in a room for a photo, some are sitting at a table and others are standing behind them, with a variety of casual and uniformed clothing, including some with badges and caps.

30 hours a year.
Your schedule.
Your community.

Volunteers patrol when conditions call for it — typically with 1-2 days notice. If you have flexibility in your schedule, this could be the right volunteer opportunity for you.

Learn about Joining
An embroidered patch with purple background and yellow border. It features a brown bear walking on green grass, with yellow text that reads 'LOS ANGELES COUNTY SHERIFF VOLUNTEER' around the bear.

Thinking about what you can do to support your community during high risk wildfire periods?

Arson Watch patrols the Santa Monica Mountains and coastal communities including Malibu and Topanga, as well as portions of Agoura Hills, Calabasas, and Chatsworth. Residents in Hidden Hills, Westlake Village, Malibou Lake, and West Hills are also eligible to join Arson Watch since these areas fall under the jurisdiction of Lost Hills Sheriff Station.

Get involved! More volunteers means more deterance across the peaceful mountains we all cherish.

Contact us about joining.