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Home My WebLink About2025-10-02; Fire Mitigation Update (Districts - All); Calderwood, MichaelTo the members ofth e: CITY COUNCIL Dat~~2f5 CA V cc ~1/ CM A _/oo_ocM (3) Council Memorandum October 2, 2025 To: From: Honorable Mayor Blackburn and Members of the City Council Michael Calderwood, Fire Chief Geoff Patnoe, City Manager @ Via: Re: Fire Mitigation Update (Districts -All) {city of Carlsbad Memo ID# 2025059 This memorandum provides an update on staff actions supporting citywide fire mitigation. Background On February 25, 2025, the City Council authorized a midyear budget appropriation of $850,000 to support fire mitigation measures throughout the city. In addition, $550,000 was approved in the fiscal year (FY) 2025-26 budget for professional services to manage fire risk in the city's urban forest and nature preserves. Citywide Community Outreach and Engagement Several city departments collaborated to enhance wildfire preparedness resources and increase public awareness through targeted outreach, education, and training initiatives. Public Outreach & Events • Hosted a Community Connection event at Fire Station 3 on May 10, 2025, focused on wildfire mitigation, with participation from Parks & Recreation, Habitat Management, and Fire & Life Safety. Over 75 residents attended to learn about city initiatives and wildfire readiness. • Planned additional wildfire education activities for the upcoming Public Safety Open House on October 4, 2025. • The City Manager highlighted fire mitigation initiatives in presentations to community organizations including the Carlsbad Rotary Club and Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce. Digital & Media Communications • Developed a flyer, Working Together to Minimize Wildfire Risk, to clarify the city's role and highlight actionable steps for residents. • Shared wildfire mitigation information and preparedness tips through multiple channels, including social media, Carlsbad Magazine, the City Manager's Update newsletter, news releases posted on the city's website, and a dedicated fire mitigation webpage. Fire Department 2560 Orion Way I Carlsbad, CA 92010 I 442-339-2141 t Council Memo -Fire Mitigation Update (Districts -All) October 2, 2025 Page 2 • Produced and shared videos explaining the State's updated Fire Hazard Severity Zone map through the city's website, social media, and the City Manager's Update newsletter to explain the updated map, raise awareness, and help residents understand impacts on their property. • Promoted the Firewise USA program through outreach to homeowners' associations and developed a video highlighting the benefits of certification and community collaboration. Training & Preparedness • The Emergency Operations Center continues to conduct wildfire monitoring, drills, and preparedness campaigns. Departmental Highlights Fire Department • Received $300,000 in FY 2024-25 to develop a wildfire mitigation plan. A contract with Dudek has been executed to complete a citywide wildfire risk assessment, prepare a mitigation plan, and draft a Community Wildfire Protection Plan. Dudek's work is in progress with anticipated completion by the end of 2025. • Facilitated the installation of Carlsbad's first ALERTCalifornia wildfire detection camera in the La Costa Ridge community. Outreach efforts received positive community feedback. The camera feed went live on September 9, 2025. The Fire Department is evaluating additional sites in coordination with the Carlsbad Municipal Water District and UC San Diego. • Conducted voluntary fuel modification zone (FMZ) assessments around HOA developments to evaluate compliance and identify necessary mitigation. • Created a courtesy defensible space and home hardening inspection program for residents in very high fire hazard severity zones. • Encouraged neighborhood-level participation in the Firewise USA program. • Supported adoption of the updated State Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map, approved by City Council in July, and submitted to the Board of Forestry within the required timeframe. • Completed the annual hazard reduction program, clearing all identified private and city- owned parcels. Office of Emergency Management • Provided Emergency Public Information and Warning training for city staff, including hands-on training in Genasys ALERT and Genasys EVAC, the San Diego Countywide emergency mass notification system. Council Memo -Fire Mitigation Update (Districts -All) October 2, 2025 Page 3 • Facilitated a discussion-based wildfire exercise for the City of Carlsbad Policy Group, Public Information Officers, and Planning Section, engaging senior leadership in Carlsbad. • Led an Emergency Shelter Operations exercise at the Stagecoach Community Center in collaboration with Parks & Recreation, the American Red Cross, the San Diego Humane Society, and San Diego County Public Health. • Participated in both the North Zone Wildfire Evacuation exercise and the North Zone Emergency Management Wildfire Tabletop exercise, along with the Police and Fire departments. • Facilitated wildfire practical application exercises for the Policy Group and Emergency Operations Center (EOC) staff, directing participants to respond to a series of scenarios and complete incident-related action items. Environmental Sustainability • Received $250,000 in FY 2024-25 for brush management in Habitat Management Plan preserves adjacent to residential development. Contracted with Helix Environmental Planning to clear dead growth and invasive species in six preserves. Surveys and vegetation management plans were completed, and all brush management activities identified in the plans were completed in August 2025. • Allocated an additional $250,000 in FY 2025-26 to expand brush management to additional preserves. Staff are coordinating with property owners, securing right-of-entry permits, and preparing for site surveys, vegetation management plans and implementation. Parks & Recreation • Received $300,000 in FY 2024-25 for expedited tree canopy pruning, selective tree removals, and brush management in city-owned urban forests (e.g., Hosp Grove, Woodbine Banks, Batiquitos Lane and Village H). Funds were fully expended, focusing on Hosp Grove, Woodbine Banks, and Batiquitos Lane. • Received an additional $300,000 in FY 2025-26 to continue these efforts, with work planned for Village H and further segments of Hosp Grove. The City of Carlsbad is taking a comprehensive approach to wildfire mitigation, combining citywide outreach, interdepartmental collaboration, and targeted fieldwork. These efforts - ranging from risk assessments and brush management to new wildfire detection technology- reflect the city's ongoing commitment to protect lives, property, and natural resources. Together, these efforts build resilience, strengthen community trust, and ensure the City of Carlsbad remains prepared in the face of wildfire risk. Council Memo -Fire Mitigation Update (Districts -All) October 2, 2025 Page 4 Next Steps 1. Continue expedited tree canopy pruning, selective tree removals, and brush management in city-owned urban forests, particularly Village H and Hosp Grove. 2. Receive Dudek's wildfire risk assessment report and conduct a thorough review of its findings and recommendations with all impacted departments. 3. Initiate outreach to key stakeholders, including community groups and landowners, to discuss the assessment findings as part of the Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) development process. 4. Draft a comprehensive fire mitigation plan outlining proposed actions, resource and staffing needs, funding requirements, and coordination with legal counsel for compliance review. 5. Develop a staff report and presentation for City Council consideration. 6. Conduct public engagement efforts to communicate the fire mitigation plan and initiate phased implementation in coordination with city departments and community partners. cc: Sheila Cobian, Assistant City Manager Cindie McMahon, City Attorney Gary Barberio, Deputy City Manager, Community Services Laura Rocha, Deputy City Manager, Administrative Services Paz Gomez, Deputy City Manager, Public Works Christie Calderwood, Police Chief Kyle Lancaster, Parks & Recreation Director James Wood, Environmental Sustainability Director Amy Ventetuolo, Communication & Engagement Director Nick Ordille, Assistant Fire Chief Darcy Davidson, Division Chief/Fire Marshal