HomeMy WebLinkAboutFD Wildfire Prevention Efforts in San Rafael PPTAdapting San Rafael to
Wildfire
May 2022 Update
and
Ordinance Change Proposals
History
Year Action
2007 Vegetation standards were first adopted to reduce wildfire risk
2012 Significant changes to the smoking ordinance
2017
First goal of the San Rafael Local Hazard Mitigation plan is to minimize risk and vulnerability of the City to the impact of
natural hazards and protect lives and reduce damages and losses to property, public health, economy, and the
environment.
2018 City Council directed the Fire Chief to “Be Bold” in a plan to reduce wildfire risk
2019 Wildfire Prevention and Protection Action plan was drafted, reviewed, and supported by the Citizens Wildfire Advisory
Committee
2020
Measure C passes and funds the Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority
San Rafael expands wildfire prevention and adaptation efforts thanks to the MWPA
2021 Council adopts amendment to SRMC 4.12 to establish Citywide Vegetation Standards
The Problem
•Centuries of fire suppression
•Heavy fuel loads
•Declining forest health (drought, pests,
density, non -natives and invasives)
•Climate Change
•Human proximity and intermix in
wildlands
Evidence Based Approach
•Informed, science-based
decisions
•House out approach to protect
the home ignition zone
•Individual action is key
•Environmental Benefits to
prevention and adaptation work
House Out
Priority
Fire Adapted
Communities
38-Point
Wildfire
Action Plan
Defensible Space (1, 2,3, 13, &23)
Home Hardening (17, 18,21, &22)
Vegetation Management (4, 5,11,&20)
Evacuation Improvement (28, 29, 30,31, 32,34, 36, & 37)
Ignition Reduction (8,15, 16, & 27)
Public Education (6, 7,&24)
Other/Misc (9,10, 12,14, 19,25,26,33,35, & 38)
Defensible Space
•14,456 completed inspections (Since 1/21)
•Software Change
•Better visual data
•Online reports available to residents within 24
hours
•Clear prioritized list of action items
•Support resources
•Grants (140)
•Direct Assistance (165+)
•Chipper Days and Debris removal (1,300+)
Home Hardening
•Inspection Program
covers home hardening
•Grant available
•Request to set public
hearing for Shake Roofs
Annual Mailer
Vegetation
Management
Shaded fuel breaks near homes
Clearance along fire roads
Goat Grazing
Broom Pulling
Planning larger scale projects
Hazardous tree removal
Fire
Roads
Goats
Evacuation
Improvements
•Roadside Vegetation Clearance
•Safe Parking Clarifications
•Zonehaven
•Increased Alert Registrations
•Hi-Lo Sirens
•Evacuation Tags
Ignition Reduction
Police Rangers
Seize Open Space ignition sources
Smoking Risk Reduction
Public Education
Other Items
Partnerships Debris Disposal
Fire Foundry
Celebrating
Success
Amazing Team
Responsive to Resident needs and feedback
Increased Bi-lingual outreach and engagement
Creative Resource Management
Moving more towards being a fire adapted
community
Direct Assistance & Grants
San Rafael Lincoln Hill
Fuel Reduction Work and
Parking Boxes
Next Steps
•Fuel reduction work and maintenance
•D-space Evaluations and enforcement
•Public education, specific efforts to
reach new people
•Public Hearing on Smoking ignition risk
reduction
•Set Public Hearing for Shake Roofs
Questions and Comments