2008 Wildfire Season Will Start Early!
April 7, 2008
With almost no rain during the month of March and very little precipitation forecast for April, the 2008 wildfire season will most likely start earlier than usual. Normally, Marin takes advantage of some late season rains, which keeps the moisture content of hillside grass and brush high enough to reduce the threat of wildfire until well into the summer season. This year, it looks like our substantial rainfall has concluded. To make matters worse, our fire season gets more critical as we approach September and October. Often our critical fire weather period doesn't conclude until the first week of November. So this year, we're in for nearly six full months of fire season!
So, it's time to get proactive! If you live in a hillside area or close to open space, you need to evaluate your property. Flammable vegetation is going to be a threat to your home, so make plans now to cut and remove natural tall grass, scotch or french broom and any other invasive plant that won't be watered on a regular basis. Removing this material 30 feet from all structures is a working rule, but this distance should be increased on steep slopes. If you live adjacent to a designated open space area, please contact the Marin County Open Space District at (415) 499-6387 for more information on clearing strategies.
Additionally, certain trees pose a threat. Pine, acacia and eucalyptus in particular are susceptible to fire. Although it's not necessary to remove these trees, they should be trimmed back from any structures, limbed up a minimum of 10 feet from the ground, and any bark or leaves raked and removed. Additionally, any dry brush or tall grass should be cut and removed from around the base of trees, regardless of species.
It's also important to note that any maintained vegetation can also pose a threat during extreme fire events. Wildfire preheats vegetation in advance of the flames and thus makes any typical landscaping a threat to your home. Keep this in mind while you plant new materials and perform regular maintenance.
As a final step, please look around and on top of your residence. Any debris piles, storage piles or stacks of firewood should be removed or relocated well away from structures or decks until later in the year when the late fall season rains arrive. Roofs and gutters should be clear of debris, particularly pine needles or dry leaves. Do you have a wood shake or shingle roof? You should be aware that this is comparable to a load of dry kindling on top of your home. Garden hoses should be attached to each spigot. Your address number should be plainly visible from the street. Barbequing should take place in a safe area and only on non-critical fire days.
The time to start planning for the 2008 wildfire season is now! Identify the non-native and invasive plant species growing in your yard areas. Plan to cut and remove this material, trim trees as needed and take other action necessary to safeguard your home from wildfire. Please take advantage of your green can. Look in your garbage bill for updates on when green cans are picked up weekly and for those coupons for free drop off at the Marin Resource and Recovery Center.
Bob Sinnott, Larkspur Fire Chief 415/927-5014
rsinnott@larkspurfire.net
WILDLAND INTERFACE
INTRODUCTION:
The City of Larkspur is located between the waters of the San Francisco Bay and the hills and open space of the Mt. Tamalpais watershed. The scenic beauty of the city lies in its close proximity to the hills, canyons, and vegetation that make up the Mt. Tamalpais watershed. The term Wildland Interface refers to properties that are located within these hills, canyons, and vegetation. The City of Larkspur and the Larkspur Fire Department have developed a comprehensive vegetation management program to minimize the risk and potential damage from a wildland fire. In general, the wildland fire season begins in June and ends with the first few inches of rain in October. Depending on the weather conditions, the fire season may begin as early as May and continue into November.
MASTER FIRE ORDINANCE:
The Master Fire Ordinance was created specifically to address the dangers of a wildland fire and is a comprehensive fire safety ordinance intended to reduce the threat associated with wildland interface fire activity. The ordinance designates high hazard fire zone areas, details specific vegetation problems, provides an abatement policy for the enforcement of fire hazards, addresses the need for chimney spark arrestors, and provides guidelines for vegetation management on properties within the city owned by public agencies and utilities.
VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
The Larkspur Fire Department has developed the following vegetation management program to help its citizens protect their properties from the potential damage of a wildland fire.
- HILLSIDE FIRE PREVENTION PROGRAM - Engine company personnel target high hazard areas and inspect hillside properties. After the inspection, a door hanger is left at the residence detailing any vegetation problems that may exist on the property. For example, a box may be checked requiring the clearance of all flammable vegetation a minimum of thirty feet from your home or a recommendation of a chimney spark arrestor.
- WILDLAND FIRE PREVENTION - Deputy Fire Chief Scott Shurtz manages a program thatinspects undeveloped parcels of land, answers and reviews questions and complaints, coordinates inspections by utility companies, and provides property inspections upon request.
- HILLSIDE RESTRICTIVE PARKING - The City of Larkspur has developed an ordinance restricting parking on narrow roadways allowing fire equipment access to all areas of the city.
- VEGETATION REMOVAL - A semi-annual curbside pick-up program allows residents to place cut vegetation at the curbside which is removed on specific dates.
- FIRE HYDRANTS - New water mains and additional fire hydrants have been added to high hazard fire zone areas.
- EQUIPMENT - The city purchased a new Water Tender in 1997. The tender carries two thousand gallons of water and supplements those areas of the city where water supply is less than desirable. The tender is also designed with a locking differential and special tracking system that allows it to operate very efficiently on the various fire roads that border the city. In 1998, a new type lll urban interface fire engine will join the fleet . This apparatus is a state of the art, four wheel drive pumper that can access even the most difficult locations.
The Larkspur Fire Department encourages residents to call with any questions or concerns they may have regarding their property or any property within the city. Fire Department personnel are available to answer questions, provide inspections, and make recommendations to keep your property fire safe. Please contact Deputy Chief Shurtz at 927 - 5016 and he will make the necessary arrangements. Thank you for taking the time to learn about your community.
