HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-05-29; Fire Mitigation Measures Update (Districts - All); Patnoe, GeoffTo the members of the:
CITY COUNCIL
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May 29, 2025
Council Memorandum
{city of
Carlsbad
Memo ID# 2025034
To:
From:
Honorable Mayor Blackburn a!J-d-{vlembers of the City Council
Geoff Patnoe, City Manager ~
Re: Fire Mitigation Measures Update {Districts -All)
On February 25, 2025, the City Council authorized a mid-year budget appropriation totaling
$850,000 to support fire mitigation measures throughout the city. This memorandum provides
an update on the fire mitigation measures supported by the funding.
• The Fire Department received $300,000 to contract with an environmental planning firm
to create implementable fire protection plans, hazard reduction plans and fuel
management plans that will help prevent wildfire damage by accounting for Carlsbad's
unique topography, vegetation and climate issues. Fire Department personnel are
continuing to work with consultant Dudek to develop the comprehensive scope of work,
estimated to be complete by mid-June.
• Fire Depa rtment staff are also exploring the feasibility of installing an ALERTCalifornia
camera in Carlsbad. These environmental monitoring cameras are designed to detect
wildfires early and provide greater situational awareness to emergency operations
teams during an active incident. Installing a camera in Carlsbad will bring the monitoring
capacity to our city and provide excellent visibility and wildfire protection for an area of
Carlsbad that is most vulnerable to wildfire. Staff have identified the Carlsbad Municipal
Water District's water tank on Corintia Street as an ideal site for installation. If it is
found to be feasible, staff anticipate having the camera functional by end of summer.
• Fire Department staff are collaborating with San Diego County staff to explore the
potential for Carlsbad to be the first local government agency to use a new software
program that specializes in wildfire risk management. The program maps vegetation to
provide actionable, quantifiable solutions for managing wildfire risks. Using this
software platform will enable the department to assess the effectiveness of various
treatment strategies and help in the prioritizing of wildfire mitigation projects.
• The Environmental Sustainability Department received $250,000 to assist with
immediate brush management in the city's preserves. The areas of focus are between
the 60-foot fire buffer from certain developed areas and up to approximately 100 feet
into the preserves, clearing dead growth and invasive, non-native perennial species. The
city has contracted with Helix Environmental Planning to conduct the work. Staff and
the consultant have contacted homeowner association's Property Managers and
acquired right-of-entry permits for six preserves. Site visits on all six preserves were
Policy & Leadership
City Manager
1200 Carlsbad Village Drive I Carlsbad, CA 92008 I 442-339-2820 t
Fire Mitigation Measures Update (Districts -All)
May 29, 2025
Page 2
conducted. Potential target weed areas and the location of sensitive native habitat have
been documented. Nesting bird surveys and vegetation management plans have also
been developed for the six preserves. The plans identify invasive species treatment
areas, methods, access, sensitive natural resources and constraints. The removal of non-
native perennial weeds and dead material began on May 21, 2025. Additional work will
begin in the next few weeks, including removal of invasive palm trees in these
preserves.
• The Parks & Recreation Department received $300,000 to help with immediate brush
management efforts in city-owned urban forests (e.g., Hosp Grove, Woodbine Banks,
Batiquitos Lane, Village H and other areas). City contractors have completed fire
mitigation-related tree canopy pruning within Hosp Grove, Woodbine Banks,
Batiquitos Lane and Village H and have commenced selective tree removal activities
within the interior of Hosp Grove. Selective tree removal activities will continue within
the interior of Hosp Grove and other urban forest areas over the next month. Weed
abatement will also be addressed within the urban forests over the next month.
Next Steps
Staff is seeking an additional $550,000 for professional services agreements for fire
management in the city's urban forest area and in the city's preserves as part of the proposed
fiscal year 2025-26 Budget. Staff will provide regular updates to City Council on the progress of
the city's fire mitigation efforts.
cc: Sheila Cobian, Assistant City Manager
Cindie McMahon, City Attorney
Michael Calderwood, Fire Chief
Christie Calderwood, Police Chief
Gary Barberio, Deputy City Manager, Community Services
Paz Gomez, Deputy City Manager, Public Works
Laura Rocha, Deputy City Manager, Administrative Services
Kyle Lancaster, Parks & Recreation Director
James Wood, Environmental Sustainability Director