Cal Fire has released new maps that identify different levels of fire hazard severity throughout the Bay Area, a practice done every few years. The updated maps are now showing more areas in the moderate, high or very high risk zones. You can zero in on your specific neighborhood to see what the updated maps show.
- LRA Antioch Map
- LRA Brentwood Map
- LRA Clayton Map
- LRA Concord Map
- LRA Danville Map
- LRA El Cerrito Map
- LRA Hercules Map
- LRA Lafayette Map
- LRA Martinez Map
- LRA Moraga Map
- LRA Orinda Map
- LRA Pinole Map
- LRA Pittsburg Map
- LRA Pleasant Hill Map
- LRA Richmond Map
- LRA San Pablo Map
- LRA San Ramon Map
- LRA Walnut Creek Map
Even if your immediate neighborhood looks safe I would still keep wildfires in mind. Many of the fires over the last decade show that wildfires burn through normal suburban neighborhoods. Even large and presumably well equipped fire departments are not able to knock down the spot fires fast enough to prevent the spread of a fire.
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I try to maintain a ten foot buffer around the house. That does not mean scorched earth but rather that nearby landscaping should be well irrigated and I plus thin plants to reduce the fuel load.
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On the house itself I have been installing 1/16th inch mesh screens for the crawlspace and attic vents plus removing anything that is remotely flammable in the area near the screens (both inside and outside).
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Something that has interested me about the videos I have seen from people driving through burning zones is that there’s a constant coating of small burning embers getting blown around on the streets and ground. 99% of those embers will land on the ground and then die. The 1% that gets caught in something flammable allows the fire to continue and creates a spray of new/fresh embers.
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I have not figured out what to do about wood fencing and gates. The issue in my mind is the horizontal 2x4s. Embers land on those and can start a fire on either the 2×4 and/or fence planks. While it seems easy enough to put something like roof shingles on the tops of the 2x4s those would trap moisture which leads to rot. Maybe I’ll switch to barbed wire fences…
…. sounds like you’re doing a lot – the issue is also what are your neighbors and the city / county doing around you? If they’re not doing their part it’s still a huge risk imho
It’s in more of a hazard zone that it used to be – but the real problem is the city of WC has allowed eucalyptus (gasoline trees per the CCC Fire Dept on Treat Bl) trees to grow tall and are old and are even a safety hazard during the winter. The ground sets soggy and they fall over the CCC trail. They are on city property in the Boundary Oaks golf course. Meeting with the mayor of WC and a member of their staff has proven NO results over a 3 yr period even before the new maps came out by CalFire. I’ve pointed out to the that even healthy “gasoline trees” are being removed as a preventative measure by local cities and counties but it’s falling on deaf ears at the WC council. They’ve continually said there was a “plan” for 3 yrs but have yet to see it or a single eucalyptus removed. Initially they said funding was an issue – but then less than a year later they spent millions $$ on refurbishing the practice driving range at the golf course… and that’s not even counting their millions in $$ Reserves the city holds … I could go on and on … any ideas to get any action? TIA
Those trees seem well irrigated as they are on the golf course. As it is, you can see how the golf course creates a nice buffer zone between the high fire hazard zone and the residential area. I would focus on using terms such as “reduce the fuel load,” particularly as you have a line of eucalyptus immediately above a residential neighborhood. I would not mention “gasoline tree” as that signals that you are a rabble rouser and people will tune out your message.
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I have gotten a sense that the management company is responsible for the cost of maintenance. For example, they replace the fencing between golf course and canal trail in a very piecemeal way. Had it been a government project you would have seen all hands on deck for a week or two and the entire fence would be done. As it is, I don’t recall ever seeing USA marks when they work on the fence posts meaning it’s likely an unlicensed handyman doing the work. Likewise, when trees or large branches fall on the fence it takes them forever to deal with the issue.
Yes – they are irrigated – but even the CCC Fire Dept says they should go – even healthy ones. See the surrounding cities and counties that are removing healthy trees by the acre, The CCC Fire Dept is the one (and Alameda County) calling them “gasoline trees.” Not my verbiage. Now – in light of the area I’m referring to – CalFire labeled it as “High Risk” so probably ALL of the non-native trees should go. The city has the funding – no question – it’s just not revenue producing. Rather than promote safety to the community they spend it on a refurbishing the golf practice range. Ignoring the high hazard could be considered negligence by the city. But thanks for the comments …. ideas to get some action?
I’m in a “moderate” zone but across and up the street not so good. They love their trees though at least one home can be seen as one drives by after having cleared their share of the “forest” out. I know there is a hit on wooden gates but haven’t seen anyone replace theirs. I even looked into it and metal ones are quite reasonable.
Don’t cancel my home insurance
don’t cancel my home insurance
don’t cancel my home insurance
You’ll own nothing, and be happy.
😎