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Home My WebLink About2020-12-15; City Council; ; Fire Department Hazard Reduction ProgramCA Review __AF_ 1 Meeting Date: Dec. 15, 2020 To: Mayor and City Council From: Scott Chadwick, City Manager Staff Contact: Randy Metz, Fire Marshal randy.metz@carlsbadca.gov, 760-602-4661 Subject: Fire Department Hazard Reduction Program Recommended Action Receive a report on the 2020 Hazard Reduction Program and potential service enhancement. Executive Summary The Carlsbad Fire Department manages an annual Hazard Reduction Program for all privately- owned open space land in the city. Carlsbad residents have become very aware of and concerned about wildfire risks in response to the increase in fires across the state over the past decade, including the Poinsettia Fire in 2014. Without additional resources, the current Hazard Reduction Program cannot proactively manage and respond to the increased level of resident concerns about wildfire hazards within wildland-urban interface areas. To maximize the city’s efforts to reduce the risk to the community, Fire Department staff recommend expanding the existing Hazard Reduction Program to a year-round proactive program that supports and allows for more regular and ongoing interactions with homeowner associations and more timely responses to residents’ concerns. Discussion Historical background The 2020 fire season has been the largest in California history, with over 4 million acres burned so far. This intense fire activity has heightened Carlsbad residents’ awareness of wildfire hazards and the need for providing defensible space. This concern is the focal point for community risk reduction programs intended to reduce the risks associated with wildfire. The Fire Department administers an annual Hazard Reduction Program, which has also been known as weed abatement. This program has undergone many variations since it began over 20 years ago. Initially, inspections were performed by full-time fire inspectors working in conjunction with third-party abatement contractors. Over time, the full-time fire inspectors were assigned to other fire prevention duties, reducing program oversight to one part-time employee for the past 15 years. Dec. 15, 2020 Item #10 Page 1 of 17 The Hazard Reduction Program covers parcels that are privately-owned open space land with no structural developments. These parcels range in size from 7,500 square feet to over 36 acres. The initial program included approximately 280 parcels, but over time, parcels have been removed from the program because land was developed and structures were constructed. Property owned by homeowner associations such as greenbelt areas and manufactured slopes are not included in the program. Homeowner associations manage and maintain these areas following a prescriptive fuel modification plan approved by the fire department. Resident complaints about potential fire dangers on properties with homes or other structures are usually directed to the city’s Code Enforcement Division to be addressed in accordance with nuisance-abatement measures in the Carlsbad Municipal Code. Hazard Reduction Program Prior to 2019, the Hazard Reduction Program was administered by a half-time position. Currently, the program is administered by a 0.75 full-time equivalent position. The recent staffing enhancement was requested and approved in response to increased citizen requests for property evaluations outside the existing program. There are currently 172 parcels in the Hazard Reduction Program. The program begins in January with administrative preparation and evaluations of the parcels. In March, the City Council declares parcels with identified hazards as public nuisances and directs staff to notify affected property owners. In April, a public hearing is conducted to allow property owners an opportunity to voice objections to parcels declared as nuisances. Following the public hearing, the City Council authorizes the fire department to abate any noncompliant parcels, that is, to reduce or remove the potential hazard. Between these City Council meetings, formal property inspections are conducted, along with an outreach to any property owners with information about program requirements. Property owners are asked to perform the necessary property maintenance between March and mid- May. Starting in late May, the Fire Department contracts with a company to perform forced abatement services on all parcels whose owners have failed to comply with the city’s notifications. In July, the Fire Department presents a final weed abatement cost report to the City Council requesting authorization to forward the associated costs to the San Diego County assessor so that they can be added to the property tax bills for those parcels. The annual program is complete and closed out in late August. The city abates the hazards on an overage eight to 10 parcels every year. Any additional hazard-reduction efforts outside the existing program are performed in reaction to complaints or conditions. Without additional resources, the Fire Department is unable to conduct proactive, routine inspections within homeowner association-controlled property and privately maintained areas. Since the Witch Fire in 2007, which became the largest fire complex of that year, there has been a substantial increase in resident concerns about poor homeowner association maintenance practices as well as the conditions of the natural habitat. With this heightened awareness, community concerns and demands have considerably outgrown the original scope of the existing Hazard Reduction Program. Dec. 15, 2020 Item #10 Page 2 of 17 The biggest single driver of heightened awareness is news coverage of catastrophic fire events and various public-service announcements supporting defensible space. Many property owners have been unable to renew their homeowner insurance because of underwriter requests for greater defensible space, usually associated with habitat areas. Although this problem is expected to increase, there has been some improvement with homeowner associations because of city education and outreach regarding actual maintenance requirements. The city has almost 300 homeowner associations, with over 80 having wildland-urban interface concerns. The Fire Prevention Bureau, which oversees hazard reduction, tries to maintain communications with these homeowner associations on an as-needed basis. When not administering the Hazard Reduction Program, the hazard-reduction specialist spends available time responding to citizen concerns and working with homeowner associations seeking assistance. To create a proactive program, additional staffing resources would be needed year- round during regular business hours to address ongoing concerns outside the current scope of the Hazard Reduction Program. Abatement requirements The city adheres to a 60-foot separation distance as a defensible space consideration. This means that when possible, maintenance, thinning, irrigation and vegetation management is expected in areas within 60 feet of the structure envelope, as measured from the rear of the structure. It is important to note that the measurement does not start at the property line. While this 60-foot measurement has worked well for the City of Carlsbad, it is also important to note that this is less than the 100-foot measurement recognized by the state’s Public Resources Code, and substantially less than the 170-foot measurement utilized by Orange County. Exhibit 1 is a handout outlining the details for defensible space requirements in Carlsbad. The handout is provided to all property owners whose properties are part of the Hazard Reduction Program. Habitat management The Habitat Management Plan was developed by the city, in cooperation with federal and state wildlife agencies – to preserve and protect sensitive biological resources within the city, while allowing for continued economic development. Carlsbad is the only city in North County with an approved plan, which is a comprehensive approach to preserving natural land for plant and animal species. It defines nature preserves that link with regional and statewide preserves to create a natural network where species can thrive. The plan is a regulatory document that was developed under the direction of environmental experts, wildlife agencies and other stakeholders to preserve and protect the wide variety of sensitive and endangered animals and plants found in the city, in keeping with the state and federal endangered species acts. The city has added nearly 1,000 acres of this habitat in the past 10 years. The plan also assures that money is set aside to maintain these natural networks. (However, preserves established before the adoption of the Habitat Management Plan in 2004 – about 30% of those in the city – are not managed because there is no funding for it.) The preserves in the city are considered part of the citywide Habitat Management Plan preserve system, which includes properties that are owned by a variety of landowners, including over 100 homeowner associations. The city owns and maintains only 10% of the preserved open space. Some portions of the preserves, such as trails, may be available for public use. Open space that is home to sensitive plants and animals may be closed to the public. Dec. 15, 2020 Item #10 Page 3 of 17 The Fire Department routinely receives calls from residents concerned with the condition of the preserves. Some of these concerns have related to land directly adjacent to homeowner association properties, city trails, right-of-way areas or beneath power lines. When evaluating vegetation reduction options, if any, the Fire Department must consult with the city’s Environmental Management Division to discuss potential impacts to protected species and habitat. As a rule, the city does not recommend any thinning or removal of vegetation within preserve areas. In certain instances, the city can request maintenance work along the perimeter of Habitat Management Plan areas, if the hazards infringe within the city’s right of way, trails or property lines of privately-owned property. However, this exception is usually limited to approximately a 10-foot distance. Areas covered by the Habitat Management Plan are intended to remain in a natural state, understanding that potential fire risks may be present. Future program enhancements Staff recommends expanding the current Hazard Reduction Program to a year-round proactive program offering outreach to homeowner associations with prescriptive fuel modification plans requiring city oversight and maintenance. Because most citizen complaints focus on homeowner association property maintenance concerns, expanding this program would provide a better opportunity for a productive dialogue about risks and effective mitigation with the associations. These efforts would provide a sense of support for residents and homeowner associations and help minimize conflicts. Additionally, expanding the program would allow for annual inspections to help ensure adherence to fuel modification plans while maintaining the intended defensible space as designed. The current Hazard Reduction Program demands more time for increased noticing and outreach, giving the hazard-reduction specialist less time to follow up on resident concerns. To continue to provide resources during the peak fire season between August and December, along with the peak season for citizen concerns, options should be considered to ensure community risk-reduction programs reach their maximum potential with all public concerns addressed in a timely manner. Fiscal Analysis There is no fiscal impact to the fiscal year 2020-21 budget. The annual cost to upgrade the current fire-prevention specialist II position from a 0.75 full- time equivalent position to a full-time position is $37,089, as detailed below. 0.75 1.00 Fiscal impact* Salary $75,134 $100,179 $25,045 Benefits $36,134 $48,178 $12,044 Total $111,268 $148,357 $37,089 *Based on FY 2020-21 benefits and midrange salary scale. Dec. 15, 2020 Item #10 Page 4 of 17 Next Steps If the City Council approves a staffing enhancement to expand the current Hazard Reduction Program, the Fire Department will prepare and submit a staffing change request to upgrade the current fire prevention specialist II position from a 0.75 full-time equivalent position to a full- time position during the FY 2021-22 budget adoption process. Environmental Evaluation (CEQA) This action does not constitute a “project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act under Public Resources Code section 21065 in that it has no potential to cause either a direct physical change in the environment or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment and therefore does not require environmental review. Public Notification Public notice of this item was posted in keeping with the Ralph M. Brown Act and it was available for public viewing and review at least 72 hours before the scheduled meeting date. Exhibits 1. “When Nature is Your Neighbor” defensible space handout Dec. 15, 2020 Item #10 Page 5 of 17 When Nature Is Your Neighbor Defend Your Home Against Wildfires Dec. 15, 2020 Item #10 Page 6 of 17 EXHIBIT 1 2 When Nature Is Your Neighbor • Defend Your Home Against Wildfires he City of Carlsbad is proud to have many beautiful open space areas interspersed among our neighborhoods. Beaches, lagoons and nature preserves enhance our quality of life and provide habitat to many special plants and animals. But, living near these natural open space areas is not without risks, including wildfires. The area where homes meet the natural environment is known as the “wildland-urban interface.” The City of Carlsbad Fire Department works with homeowners and homeowners associations to reduce the chance of structure damage due to wildfires in these areas. Providing a fire suppression zone along the edge of the natural areas can help reduce your risk from wildfires. However, since the greatest fire risk is from airborne embers that can blow from long distances, the City of Carlsbad recommends taking the additional precautions described in this handout, even if your home is not right next to natural open space. T Living near these natural open space areas is not without risks, including wildfires. Dec. 15, 2020 Item #10 Page 7 of 17 www.carlsbadca.gov/fire 3 Keep your landscaping watered and healthy. Remove dried and dead flammable plants at least 6 feet from around your home. Trim trees back away from the eave line so they don’t overlap with the roof of the house. Remove any flammable storage, like propane tanks and wood piles, near your home. Ensure all attic venting and chimneys have 1/8 inch metal screens. Consider using rock mulch in areas where you want to prevent plants from growing, such as under decks or close to flammable materials. Wood chip mulch could catch on fire. Regularly clear leaves and debris from your roof, gutters, decks and yard. An ember landing on these dried materials can easily fuel a fire. Close windows and doors before evacuating, if time permits. At a Glance Dec. 15, 2020 Item #10 Page 8 of 17 4 When Nature Is Your Neighbor • Defend Your Home Against Wildfires What Is Defensible Space? Defensible space is the area around a structure where flammable foliage and materials that can spread fire have been cleared, reduced or replaced. This space acts as a barrier between a structure and an advancing fire and its embers. Defensible space is not just the “fire suppression zone” within the natural open space areas. Your backyard and the area adjacent to your home is just as, and sometimes even more, important. Defensible space is the area around a structure where flammable foliage and materials that can spread fire have been cleared, reduced or replaced. Defensible space Dec. 15, 2020 Item #10 Page 9 of 17 Defending your home against fire does not mean total removal of all plants. The single greatest threat to homes and businesses during a fire are “firebrands,” hot wood embers that can travel for miles during high winds. Increasing defensible space beyond what is recommended will not help protect against traveling embers. Clearing additional space could even result in more vulnerability to fire, since cleared areas tend to become invaded by grasses and other weeds that act as fuel for a fire. How Much “Defensible Space” Is Enough? www.carlsbadca.gov/fire 5 The single greatest threat to homes and businesses during a fire are “firebrands,” hot wood embers that can travel for miles during high winds. Dec. 15, 2020 Item #10 Page 10 of 17 6 When Nature Is Your Neighbor • Defend Your Home Against Wildfires Fire prevention experts often refer to three zones around your home. The size of each zone depends on local conditions and fire codes. In Carlsbad, it is generally recommended to create a 60 foot safety zone around your home. These zones should be free of dead flammable landscaping and maintained regularly. Be in the “Zone” ZONE 1 ZONE 2 20 to 40 feet 0 to 20 feet ZONE 3 40 to 60 feet In Carlsbad, it is generally recommended to create a 60 foot safety zone around your home. Dec. 15, 2020 Item #10 Page 11 of 17 www.carlsbadca.gov/fire 7 Zone 20 to 40 feet 2 Zone 40 to 60 feet 3 Zone 0 to 20 feet 1 • Reduce the chance of wind blown embers catching materials near your home on fire. • Remove debris from gutters. • Cover attic, foundation and other vents with 1/8 inch metal mesh screens. • Use rock or gravel mulch instead of wood chips in this area, and brick or concrete walkways. Keep firewood, lumber and other flammable materials away from your home. • You may plant fire-resistant, irrigated landscaping in this area. • Create a landscape that is not as likely to spread fire to your home. • You may keep natural vegetation in this area. • Native plants/shrubs that are retained should be thinned in a mosaic pattern (with space between plants). Grass or weeds should be cut back to no more than four inches above the ground. • Move trailers/RVs, storage sheds and other flammable structures out of this area. If unable to move, create defensible space around them. • Thinning and regular maintenance will help to reduce the strength and speed of fire in this area. • Remove dead plants and tree branches. • Thin and separate trees and shrubs. Dec. 15, 2020 Item #10 Page 12 of 17 What if an HOA Controls the Space Around Your Home? Many Carlsbad neighborhoods are part of homeowners associations. HOAs are aware of the required maintenance standards. They should ensure the defensible space and “fuel modification zones” around your property are maintained in the manner they were designed to. If you have concerns, contact your HOA board of directors. How Flammable Is Your Landscaping? One way to check a plant is to crush a few leaves in your hand. A leaf that does not return to its original shape may have very little moisture content and will burn easily. If your fingers feel sticky or have a strong odor, it’s a good indication the plant is flammable. In general, fire-resistant plants and trees have higher moisture content and are often drought-tolerant. Ask your local nursery to recommend fire- resistant plants. If your fingers feel sticky or have a strong odor, it’s a good indication the plant is flammable. 8 When Nature Is Your Neighbor • Defend Your Home Against WildfiresDec. 15, 2020 Item #10 Page 13 of 17 San Diego Countyemergency app Is Your Property Next to Open Space? Carlsbad is proud of its natural open spaces, but they do require care. Native vegetation within protected open space preserves may not be removed. Homeowners can only remove vegetation within their property. Pruning and/or removal within fuel modification zones outside of individual property lines are generally undertaken by an HOA under direction of the city’s Fire Prevention Office. Clearing vegetation to bare soil is never recommended, because this can result in erosion and weeds, which can be a greater fire risk. If you have an “open space easement” on your property, no irrigation or non- native landscaping is allowed in that area. Remember, the greatest threat to your home will be embers and firebrands, which can travel long distances in high wind fire events. Clearing additional space above what is recommended will do little to reduce this hazard. www.carlsbadca.gov/fire 9Dec. 15, 2020 Item #10 Page 14 of 17 Prepare for Emergencies 10 When Nature Is Your Neighbor • Defend Your Home Against Wildfires Neighbors Helping Neighbors Look around your neighborhood. Do you have elderly neighbors who might need help creating defensible space around their homes (and yours)? Are some of your neighbors not aware of defensible space rules? Getting prepared for the next fire is a great opportunity to approach neighbors you might not know, introduce yourself and talk about how you can work together to make sure your neighborhood stays safe. Get Emergency Alerts To make sure you get important information during an emergency, register your cell and VOIP (systems such as AT&T U-verse, Time Warner, Cox, Vonage, etc.) phones with AlertSanDiego, the county’s reverse 9-1-1 notification system. Visit www.readysandiego.org to sign up for this free service. This is the best way to receive emergency notifications in threatened areas. First responders also will notify areas (door-to-door or by loud speakers) of evacuation orders, when possible. The County of San Diego has a free app with emergency preparedness tips and a Carlsbad-specific section where important information will be available in an emergency. Be sure to download it today by visiting www.readysandiego.org. Dec. 15, 2020 Item #10 Page 15 of 17 When a Wildfire Is Coming • When told to evacuate do so immediately. Staying behind puts you and first responders at risk. • Lock your home. • Do not block access to streets or driveways. • Choose a route away from the fire hazard and follow law enforcement’s evacuation directions. If Time Permits • Close windows, vents, doors, blinds or nonflammable window coverings. • Open fireplace damper. Close fireplace screens. • Turn off propane tanks, move propane barbecues away from the house. • Move flammable patio furniture, trash carts and other combustible items away from your home. Get Out, Fast www.carlsbadca.gov/fire 11Dec. 15, 2020 Item #10 Page 16 of 17 The Community Emergency Response Team, or CERT, is Carlsbad’s neighbor-helping-neighbor program t h a t mobilizes during an emergency. CERT volunteers work closely with the City o f Carlsbad Fire Department and are t r a i n e d to provide basic first aid, light sea r c h a n d rescue, and small-fire suppressi o n d u r i n g a n emergency. Visit www.carlsbadca.gov/cert to get involved. Whether you’r e a C E R T member or not, please help y o u r n e i g h b o r s in an emergency. Water TipsStore a minimum of three gall o n s o f e m e r g e n c y w a t e r p e r p e r s o n , and plan on using one gallon per person each day. If p u r i f i e d w a t e r i s n o t a v a i l a b l e d u r i n g a n e m e r g e n c y , w a t e r s h o u l d be boiled for one full minute. Let the wat e r c o m p l e t e l y c o o l b e f o r e u s e . P e r i o d i c a l l y r o t a t e w a t e r and food supplies per manufacturer’s i n s t r u c t i o n s . Stay or Go?Depending on the emergenc y a n d y o u r s i t u a t i o n , y o u c o u l d b e a s k e d t o e v a c u a t e t o a s a f e l o c a t i o n o r “ s h e l t e r i n p l a c e , ” meaning stay where you are. I f y o u s h e l t e r i n p l a c e , h a v e y o u r e m e r g e n c y k i t a v a i l a b l e . Evacuation tipsMonitor local media and the city and cou n t y w e b s i t e s f o r e v a c u a t i o n i n s t r u c t i o n s . S i g n u p f o r A l e r t S a n D i e g o t o r e c e i v e information directly to your cell phone an d e m a i l .• Officials will determine the a r e a s t o b e e v a c u a t e d a n d t h e r o u t e s t o u s e . F o l l o w t h e i r d i r e c t i o n s p r o m p t l y . • You will be advised of potential eva c u a t i o n s a s e a r l y a s p o s s i b l e . Y o u m u s t t a k e t h e i n i t i a t i v e t o s t a y i n f o r m e d a n d a w a r e . Listen to your radio/TV for announc e m e n t s f r o m l a w e n f o r c e m e n t a n d e m e r g e n c y p e r s o n n e l . L o c a l e m e r g e n c y r a d i o stations are KOGO-AM 600 and KLSD - A M 1 3 6 0 .• Follow recommended evacua t i o n r o u t e s . D o n o t t a k e s h o r t c u t s ; t h e y m a y b e b l o c k e d . • You may be directed to temporary m e e t i n g a r e a s t o a w a i t t r a n s f e r t o a s a f e l o c a t i o n . • During Santa Ana wind con d i t i o n s , a l w a y s b e p r e p a r e d t o e v a c u a t e . The County of San Diego has a free app with emergency preparedness tips and a Carlsbad-specific section where important information will be available in an emergency. Be sure to download it today by visiting www.readysandiego.org. San Diego County emergency app Emergency This information is provided as a public service by the City of Carlsbad Fire Department, providing fire protection, emergency medical and emergency preparedness services to our community. LET’S WORK TOGETHER What’s Inside To get started, please review this basic emergency preparedness information: • Make an emergency plan• Prepare an emergency kit• Stay or go? Evacuation tips • Natural gas and power line safety• Staying informed and important phone numbers• Emergency preparedness resources Make a plan Prepare an emergency kit Know what to do and where to go Know where to get more information The City of Carlsbad is committed to keeping our community safe, especially during an emergency. In addition to our police, fire and other first responders, we have trained city staff as disaster service workers. We regularly hold drills to test our emergency plans and ensure we are ready. For our community to be fully prepared, we need residents and business owners to support our efforts by being ready, too. It’s easy if you follow these steps: 123 4 www.carlsbadca.gov Preparedness For information on preparedness for those with access and functional needs, review San Diego County’s Disaster Assistance Plan at www.readysandiego.org/resources/caregivers-disaster-plan.pdf ☐ A three-day water supply (1 gallon per person per day is recommended) ☐ A three-day food supply that won’t spoil, and a way to open it ☐ One change of clothing and shoes per person ☐ One blanket or sleeping bag per person ☐ A first aid kit that includes family prescriptions ☐ Emergency tools ☐ Extra set of car keys ☐ Flashlight ☐ Extra batteries ☐ Battery-powered radio ☐ Special items for infants, elderly or disabled family members ☐ Pet transport carrier and leash ☐ Pet food for three days ☐ Goggles (for high wind or blowing embers) ☐ Work gloves ☐ Face mask (rated “N95”) ☐ Prescription medications ☐ Important documents (birth certificates, passports, insurance papers and inventory, tax, school and vaccination records, photos, etc.) ☐ Eyeglasses ☐ Jewelry ☐ Child’s favorite toy, book or game ☐ External drive or computer backup ☐ Cash (in case ATMs are out of service) ☐ Cell phone and charger ☐ Laptop and charger Additionally, please bring the following items during COVID-19: ☐ Face coverings ☐ Hand sanitizer ☐ Disinfecting wipes and/or spray ☐ Nitrile gloves The City of Carlsbad is making free emergency preparedness guides available to residents on the city website and at city libraries and community centers. The city encourages all residents to pick up a copy, or view the online version, and follow the tips included for making a family emergency plan, creating an emergency kit, registering mobile phones and emails with Alert San Diego and other important steps to ensure the community is prepared for the next emergency. Want More Information? Fire Prevention Office, 1635 Faraday Ave. Carlsbad, CA 92008 • 760-602-4665 www.carlsbadca.gov/fire Put Together an Emergency Kit 11/14 2,500 Dec. 15, 2020 Item #10 Page 17 of 17