To: Board of Supervisors, County of Sonoma
Department or Agency Name(s): County Administrator
Staff Name and Phone Number: Michael Gossman, 565-7056
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supervisorial District(s): All
Title:
Title
Wildfire Awareness Season
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Recommended Action:
Recommended action
Adopt a Gold Resolution proclaiming summer months as Wildfire Awareness Season in Sonoma County
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Executive Summary:
Sonoma County acknowledges that the hot, dry summer is upon us, making these summer months a Wildfire Awareness Season. The goal of Wildfire Awareness Season is to expand public awareness of wildfires and promote actions to reduce the risk from wildfire to homes and communities. As evidenced by the Sonoma Complex Fires in October 2017, awareness of the wildfire risks and taking preventative measures is paramount to reducing future risks. Approximately 95 percent of wildfires in California are human-caused and preventable.
Discussion:
In collaboration with the Department of Emergency Management, the Sonoma County Office of Recovery and Resiliency in the County Administrator’s Office encourages residents to be mindful of actions and activities which may increase the risk of wildfires during wildfire season. Despite recent rains, moving forward into the long, dry summer months, fuel moisture will decrease, increasing the threat of wildfires.
Through heightened community awareness, we can all do our part in preventing and minimizing the impact of damaging wildfires in our County and throughout the state. The County encourages members of the community to take time this week to review Sonoma County’s official preparedness site, <SoCoEmergency.org>, to learn how you can prepare and prevent wildfire. SoCo Emergency contains links to learn more about the following:
- Creating defensible space around your home
- Hardening your home with fire resistant materials
- Building an emergency kit
- Creating a wildfire action plan for your family communications as well as evacuation plans
SoCo Emergency also contains information about how to take precautions during Red Flag Warnings. A Red Flag Warning means that there is an increased risk for fire danger due to warm temperatures, very low humidity and stronger winds. The following activities are strongly discouraged when Red Flag Warning has been issued:
1. Never mow or trim dry grass during a red flag warning because a power tool could spark on a rock and start a grass fire. It is not recommended even on windy, dry, hot days.
2. No wood or charcoal camp fires in forests during periods of high fire danger.
3. Thoroughly extinguish all cigarettes and smoking material.
4. Don’t pull your vehicle over in grass as it can spark a grass fire. If necessary, pull over on paved roads.
5. Use spark arrestors on portable gasoline powered equipment to avoid an accidental fire.
6. Properly maintain vehicles to prevent starting fires along roads due to sparks or flammable materials being spit out from the catalytic converter system.
7. Ensure trailer chains don’t drag on the ground and spark.
8. Shooting of firearms is unsafe during periods of high fire hazards.
9. Use extreme caution with welding or blowtorch projects.
10. Burning plant cuttings on high fire danger days is unsafe
Sonoma County recognizes that everyone plays a role in wildfire preparedness and prevention and encourages community to spend one hour this week reviewing and taking action to become more prepared for wildfire.
Prior Board Actions:
May 8, 2019 - Board adopted 2018 Wildfire Awareness Week
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Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
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Attachments:
Attachment A: Wildfire Awareness Season Gold Resolution
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
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