HomeMy WebLinkAboutCT 94-02; Pacific Pointe; Tentative Map (CT) (37)MAR- 9-95 THU 8:04 FIRE DEPT FAX NO.P. 01
CARLSBAD FIRE DEPARTMENT
MEMORANDUM
DATE: March 6, 1995
TO: TERRI WOODS, PLANNING DEPARTMENT
FROM: Mike Smith, Fire Department
SUBJECT: PACIFIC POINTE SAFETY INQUIRY
This is In response to your request for Information regarding the concern of
Mr. Paul McQuade for the safety of his neighborhood. As I understand his
position, the absence of a north/south roadway connecting the east terminus
of Date Street and the east terminus of Olive Street significantly impacts the
safety of the residents of those streets. Although the Fire Department would
not oppose such a connection, it will neither require it, since no hazardous
characteristics or land uses in or near the area can be found which would be
significantly mitigated by it.
When considering the adequacy of circulation for emergency response
purposes, two means of ingress and egress are certainly preferable to cul-
de-sac arrangements.
However, cul-de-sac designs are acceptable to emergency service providers
in residential settings, where the likelihood of a large scale incident
requiring evacuation is remote; such is the case in the Date and Olive Street
neighborhoods.
Although there is some concern for the significant number of trees in the
neighborhood and the potential for their exposure to fires originating in
structures, it is not likely that such an occurrence would require evacuation
of the residents. Furthermore, since this condition was not contemplated
by the city when the street designs were approved, its existence should not
bear on any decision by the Fire Department regarding the adequacy of
circulation in the area.
Our review of this matter included a discussion of the impact a rail accident
could have on the neighborhood due to the close proximity of the railroad
right of way. Although such an event could certainly result in evacuation of
Date and Olive Street residents, the evacuation would not be served by the
addition of a cross street adjacent to the railroad right of way, since it would
require residents to travel toward rather than away from the incident.
Please contact me should you have further questions regarding the matter.