HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-01-28; Park Fire Hazard Reduction; Calderwood, MichaelTo the members of the:
CITY COUNCIL
Date ~CA Y CC ✓
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Jan. 28, 2021
To:
From:
Via:
Re:
Council Memorandum
Honorable Mayor Hall nd Members of the City Council
Michael Calderwood, F1 i f
Randy Metz, Fire Marshal
Scott Chadwick, City Ma
Park Fire Hazard Reduction
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Carlsbad
Memo ID #2021025
This memorandum provides an update on Fire Prevention's evaluation of fire hazards as a result
of the fire on Park Drive on Jan. 20, 2021.
Fire Prevention has evaluated the events of last week's Park Fire, as they relate to the vegetation
and brush present on both sides of Park Drive. As was discussed during the Hazard Reduction
Program Overview, presented to City Council on December 15, 2020, there are many different
circumstances that dictate what, if any, enforcement can be performed in different areas of the
city. The area in question is not part of our Annual Hazard Reduction Program, and is considered
a natural slope with multiple owners, including HOAs and private parties. The lagoon side of Park
Drive is primarily owned by private parties and state agencies.
A survey of past complaints in this area shows multiple ·concerns being reported over the past
two years, which involved both infringement of the right of way and concerns with palm tree
management. These concerns were evaluated by Fire Prevention staff and found either to be
outside the scope of our enforcement capabilities or were the responsibilities of state agencies.
Palm trees throughout the city are a common complaint received by Fire Prevention. However,
there is no mechanism currently in place to require the trees be trimmed if they are live trees.
Further, these trees were beyond 60 feet from any structures so it would be difficult to apply our
fuel modification standards in this area. The slope in question was always intended to be kept in
its natural state and any modifications or vegetation management of the slope would need to be
done in accordance with California Department of Fish & Wildlife and Coastal Commission review
and approval processes.
Vegetation management concerns within Carlsbad are a complex issue, which require
consultation with many different city divisions and state agencies. These complex processes are
time intensive and one simple issue may involve countless hours of Fire Department staff time
to try and achieve compliance through friendly request when enforcement is not an option.
Fire Department
Safety Center 2560 Orion Way I Carlsbad, CA 92010 I 760-931-2141 t
Park Fire Hazard Reduction
Jan.28,2021
Page 2
Many individuals in our community seek information regarding why some issues can be corrected
and others cannot. The City's unique Habitat Management Program is difficult to explain to
someone who only sees what they believe is a hazard, and unable to view certain open space areas
as natural habitat areas. In order to respond to the concerns of our residents and to maximize our
community risk reduction efforts, a year-round proactive hazard reduction program should be
considered to supplement the existing Hazard Reduction Program for undeveloped privately-
owned land. Having a full-time Hazard Reduction Officer would provide the additional hours
necessary to conduct follow-up communications with all parties involved, in an effort to coordinate
risk-reduction opportunities outside of our formal Hazard Reduction Program.
The complexities of hazard reduction, weed abatement, and vegetation management are difficult
to communicate effectively to the general public. The best way to serve the community in
researching these requests and providing detailed follow-up response is through additional staff
hours dedicated to what has become a growing concern within our city.
cc: Geoff Patnoe, Assistant City Manager
Celia Brewer, City Attorney
Paz Gomez, Deputy City Manager
Neil Gallucci, Police Chief
Kyle Lancaster, Parks & Recreation Director
James Wood, Environmental Manager