Who will be there to help during and after a wildfire? Living With Fire Create a resilient, safe, connected, and prepared City, Be a customer-focused organization that provides excellent, timely, easily accessible service and information to the community. Aware is a community portal with evacuation updates and prevention tools. The headache of finding adequate coverage is hard on most people affected. Theres a growing variety of online tools, apps and maps out there, some of which might help save a life or a property. 6 0 obj<>stream But does this even help and, more importantly, is this water use OK during a drought? Parcel Conditions - to view zoning, historic, seismic, fire zone, and other parcel information. Currently, the Berkeley Fire Department currently has divided the city into Fire Zones 1, 2, and 3, designated in order of ascending fire risk. CalFire Zone includes decks and roofs in Zone 0, calling for removing vegetative debris such as leaves and needles, limiting combustible patio furniture or planters, replacing combustible fencing, gates or arbors with noncombustible alternatives and not storing garbage and recycling bins or RVs or trailers in this area. What does it mean to harden my home against fire? The city of Berkeley is a little more expansive than the state in designating its hillside fire zones, which cover 8,000 properties. You can also check your phone on the Cellular Communications Industry Association website. It can provide detailed information on fire code requirements for everything from a rental house to a multi-unit apartment complex. Unfortunately, there isnt a lot of assistance available. HWIe UoV`3xF,k;CdDwDTW}NKe|++| Everyone is encouraged to see their own healthcare professional to review what is best for them. Using these methods must meet codes. In an emergency, you can also monitor KQED 88.5 FM or KCBS 740 AM for updates. Wetting down decks, siding, roofs, etc. What if Im unhoused or know people who are in my area? In 2020, Berkeley had 25 days of Red Flag Warnings and only 2 days of Extreme Fire Weather. And when batteries die, there is still paper. Technology is rapidly expanding the capacity of wildfire preparedness, prevention and prediction. Its beautiful, but we know it comes with risks. How should I prepare to evacuate my pets? Ive had COVID-19. Many patients come to The Lamb Clinic after struggling to find answers to their health challenges for many years. Fires can ignite and spread under normal conditions. Specifically, their evacuation zone. Fires that spread under Extreme Fire Weather conditions can quickly become catastrophic. Ive been working on this for a year and a half. It might take this long to get a new policy, so try not to procrastinate. Information overload can be an issue as you plan for emergencies. Her work as a journalist has encompassed everything from 10 years as a daily news reporter for the East Bay Times, The Berkeley Fire Department recommends that residents make plans to leave the hills during periods of Extreme Fire Weather. Extreme Fire Weather is far more rare than Red Flag Warnings. In 2020, Berkeley had 25 days of Red Flag Warnings and only 2 days of Extreme Fire Weather. Connect with us online, by phone, or in person. To that end, the city has compiled a number of tools to help. The startup team behind Zonehaven, which had close ties with first responders, was motivated by Californias recent and tragic fires, Crocker said. Check what your homeowners insurance covers and make sure its enough to help you rebuild if needed, taking into account updated square footage, improvements and current building costs (from a contractor). The fire started in a grassy hillside lot in Berkeley, near the Caldecott Tunnel and Oakland border. Deep dive research conducted in 2001 by the Hills Wildfire Working Group, a multiagency group formed in response to the Oakland firestorm, found that between 1923 and 1998, at least 10 major fires erupted in densely populated areas of the East Bay hills, claiming homes and lives. Community members should do everything possible to make it easier to leave home fast when the time comes, Chin said. State officials have also been spreading the word about how communities can prepare for increasingly dangerous blazes. We all have to adapt to this new normal., Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), continue removing vegetation and hazardous trees, all of the homes in Berkeleys high fire zones, home insurance from being canceled or not renewed, sign up for disaster preparedness training updates, Sign up for Alameda County emergency alerts, Berkeleys tree removal aims to set an example for wildfire management, The big picture: Wildfire danger, risk and history in Berkeley, Berkeley firefighters get $12.7M to tackle growing wildfire threat, Proudly powered by Newspack by Automattic. City Map - 2008. trailer 0000001197 00000 n It helps us build and maintain our evacuation plans., A. Dont plant water hogs. Given the current drought and many cities asking to conserve water, I would not recommend the installation of sprinklers. They cite large Eucalyptus groves, aging Monterey Pine, and hillsides thick with dry, flammable brush in Tilden Park, smack against residential neighborhoods. Visit the Community GIS Portal to search development conditions, building permit history, or zoning designation for a specific address or parcel number in the City Zone 0 isnt yet required by law, but CalFire stresses its importance, and legal regulations are in the works. Of course, there are many more steps residents can take to prepare for emergencies and for evacuations. But data can shed light on how these fires might behave and the damage they might cause. Councilmember Wengraf told Berkeleyside that she hopes one day to see all of District 6 in the program. Leaving early gives you the most control over how you will get down the hill and what you can bring. You will get different types of alerts based on the current threat level inyour evacuation zone: Fires are unpredictable and conditions can change rapidly. Some local hotels offer special rates to residents during fire season. What should I do? To access these features, please read and accept the disclaimer on the Search page. When we do have an extreme fire weather day, that means fires can spread quickly, Chin said. Taking responsibility for emergency preparedness differs based on the type of emergency, of course, but includes protecting your property by creating defensible space in areas of wildfire risk; reaching out in advance to neighbors who may need assistance in an evacuation to make sure they have a plan; signing up for alerts, and preemptively leaving your house and relocating in high-risk conditions such as red flag fire warnings. Some legal-watchers expect more regulations around home hardening or making your home less vulnerable to fire in the future, though funding for this will be challenging. What should I do if I get trapped during a fire? First responders use the program to guide decision-making around if, when, and where to order evacuations or evacuation warnings. The East Bay Regional Park District cites budget constraints and a lengthy permitting process as major hurdles to vegetation clearing and management. How can I reduce the impact of wildfire smoke inside of my home? Aim for replacement coverage, versus cash value, which wont pay you the actual costs of rebuilding and replacing, just depreciated value. To access: Go to the National Weather Service website. What do I need to know? The following counties have or will soon have contracts with Zonehaven, Crocker said: Sonoma, Marin, Napa, Lake, Santa Cruz, Santa Clara, San Mateo, Contra Costa, and parts of San Francisco (the Presidio). In 2017, Emilie was named Journalist The pressing need to prepare locally for high fire danger is what has led Councilmember Susan Wengraf, who represents much of the Berkeley Hills, to organize an annual fire safety event for more than a decade. For suspicious activities, concern about people who may be at risk from fire, or recent indications of fire or flames call the non-emergency police lines: For hazards or emergencies in action, call 911. If youre a homeowner in the hills, heres what you should do now: Insurance companies have to give you a 75 day-notice of cancellation under state law. For renters, most of the same advice on wildfire preparation applies to you, such as preparing a go bag, signing up for emergency alerts, and having an evacuation plan. With fire season already upon us, Berkeley has a range of new programs and efforts underway to ensure the community is ready should disaster strike. (We asked for the countywide cost and havent received this information yet.). But the board overseeing the district has identified wildland fire prevention as a primary goal. Fire officials reminded meeting attendees about the citys fire fuel chipper and debris bin programs, designed to help community members dispose of plant materials. %PDF-1.4 % Berkeley Path Wanderers sells ahigh quality, durable map that includes footpaths. Be ready to leave the hills when the Berkeley Fire Department proclaimsExtreme Fire Weatherdue to forecasted low humidity and high winds. In the Bay Areas moist summer fog belt, the East Bays wildland fire risk tends to concentrate during dry, warm, windy conditions. In this video series, youll learn about Berkeleys growing wildfire threat, important fire weather terms to understand, and the steps you should take to be ready. Its also about saving neighborhoods. When fire threatens, information may change rapidly. WebBerkeleys vegetation management program applies to the citys hillside fire zones, which are made up of two zones, called 2 and 3. He also happens to live there. Removing shrubs or brush from under trees. 0000523208 00000 n We all have to adapt to this new normal.. WebBerkeley Fire recently took a close look at larger hill or wildfires in the Berkeley-Oakland region dating back to the 1991 Oakland firestorm, and similar to historical research by the Were in the same boat as Waze and Google, Crocker said. If you live inFire Zone 2 or 3 (the Berkeley hills),the Berkeley Fire Department recommends that you leave during Extreme Fire Weather, before a fire starts. Removing combustibles such as dry leaves and pine needles from the roof. Police and fire can feed the software information during incidents and for practices and drills. All of these activities are seriously concerning in fire season even more so on Red Flag days. 0000000016 00000 n How do I protect my property against wildfire? only wastes water, Temmermand said. For property owners, fire prevention can be expensive. Please read this section carefully. Call BFD at 510-981-5589 or email [email protected]. AC Alert (app, text, email, phone, push alert, social media): AC Alert is Alameda Countys emergency warning system for life-threatening situations such as an order to evacuate. It refers to a buffer zone of landscaping around a structure to give it the best shot at not catching fire. Temmermand offered this drought advice to those living in hillside fire zones. During an emergency, the map will offer real-time useful information, such as areas under evacuation and the best evacuation route for your neighborhood. There are currently 130 sworn fire suppression personnel. It is the only warning system designated for this and requires you to sign up or opt in to receive alerts. WebLook up your evacuation zone now and write it down. Funding for government and nonprofit wildfire prevention is increasing, including CalFire grants, California Fire Foundation grants, and items in the states annual budget. As the East Bay hills vulnerability to wildland fire grows due to drought and other weather patterns highlighted with each destructive California wildfire local residents, government entities, land managers, emergency operations experts and first responders scramble to adjust. The citys map shows each address fire risk zone. Intense radiant heat can cause combustible materials to burst into flames. Your continued use of this site indicates your acceptance of the terms and conditions specified. Recreation. Choose at least two routes by foot and two routes by car. All of these areas, called the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI), are in the states very high fire hazard severity zones. Fire prevention experts in Berkeley often point to the citys destructive 1923 fire, which started east of the hills in open space but roared into downtown, to Shattuck Avenue. WebObtain FRAP maps, data, metadata and publications on the Internet at http://frap.cdf.ca.gov Department of Forestry and Fire Protection DATA SOURCES For more information, Being prepared is essential for anyone living or working in a high-risk fire zone. Berkeley residents, and hills residents especially, should always be ready to evacuate rapidly if needed: Download our evacuation checklistand keep it in a prominent place in your home. What will Zonehaven add that the city of Berkeley doesnt currently have to help with evacuations? Cutting grass and weeds to a maximum of 4 inches tall. Controlled burns are aimed at removing the ladder fuels that allow grass fires to become infernos. DAVID GOINES: Remembering an iconic printmaker | CULTURE WAR: Hopkins bike lane | SNOW! FEMAs dedicated text message number is 43362. Which masks best protect against wildfire smoke? What should I do? Check your phones capability, and dont turn the WEA alert option off. There are also two other categories: "non-wildland, non-urban" and "urban unzoned." On dry and windy days, PG&E plans power outages as a form of wildfire prevention to minimize the chances of power lines blowing over and sparking a fire. If you cannot reach your DWA, find a room with an exterior window, and call 911. Which apps and websites can help me during a wildfire? Cheryl Miller, the councils executive coordinator, says they currently have a wait list for projects and they hope to hear soon if they get additional funding for the next few years. The firestorm, which Caltrans officially called the Tunnel Fire, wasnt technically a wildfire as it started and spread in populated areas. The FEMA app also sends out safety tips, shelter locations and more. What should I do? This includes swaths of the Oakland and Berkeley hills. And remember to remove all dead and dying vegetation. Nonprofit news. The responsibility of renters generally stops with the physical property, the house or building and the yard. Making property more fire-resistant can minimize this effect. Once decisions are made, using incident information coming in from many sources such as responders on the ground and helicopters overhead, they must be communicated quickly, to everyone coming in to help, fire, law, media, the public, May said. Zonehaven provides agencies with a hardcopy paper map book. How can I monitor air quality in my neighborhood? Do this for fences, gates and arbors especially where they are closest to your or a neighbors house. WebBerkeley requires that buildings in certain hillside zones use materials and construction methods that will make them resistant to wildfire. Larger buildings may require sprinkler systems and alarm systems. The firestorms combined loss of life, injuries and economic loss what would be more than $4.4 billion today made it one of the worst fires in American history. : Photos + videos | WE'RE HIRING. How can I find out if there is a power outage scheduled for my area? Though in high wildland fire risk zones, creating defensible space is the law. 0000520194 00000 n Berkeleys hillside fire zones are made up of two zones, called 2 and 3. Credit: City of Berkeley. There are four types of WEA alerts: Presidential, sent by the President for national emergencies (note, this has never been done yet); Imminent Threat Alerts, for threatening emergencies such as evacuation orders; Public Safety Alerts, for warnings that may not be imminent, such as extreme weather; and Amber Alerts for abducted children. Zone 2 allows for some taller trees and bushes, trimmed to minimize risks from flames and flying embers. They are used to build a communitywide (city or county or whatever entity is purchasing the program) baseline digital map of evacuation zones. PG&E recently announced plans to bury 10,000 miles of power lines, after years of resistance. A. Area Map - Google Maps. The citys map shows each address fire risk Law enforcement has the legal authority to order an evacuation, but during emergencies they usually work hand-in-hand with fire departments and offices of emergency services. Nearly 6,000 of the 8,600 parcels have already passed inspection. Vegetation fires in these areas, including in the Eastshore State Park, can potentially spread into urban and residential areas, depending on the weather, said Berkeley Fire Chief Abe Roman. A. The hazard is ranked in three categories: moderate, high and very high. Sign up all your devices with AC Alert, the mass notification system for Berkeley and Alameda County. How at-risk is the urban East Bay to wildland fire? Khin Chin, BFDs emergency services coordinator, closed out the departments presentation in May by reminding residents about key resources they can use to help them stay safe. I rent. 0000522234 00000 n Learn what they mean so you can take appropriate action to protect yourself. Learn more about Berkeleys green building requirements. Berkeley requires that buildings in certain hillside zones use materials and construction methods that will make them resistant to wildfire. The requirements apply to fire zones 2 and 3. Look up which fire zone your property is by searching for your address in the parcel conditions map. Information during incidents and for practices and drills make it easier to leave the hills the... Help me during a fire and alarm systems ranked in three categories: ``,. Physical property, the house or building and the yard trapped during a wildfire easier to leave the hills the! Everything from a rental house to a multi-unit apartment complex local hotels offer special rates to residents during fire.... Citys hillside fire zones and other parcel information rebuilding and replacing, just depreciated value safety tips, locations... Decision-Making around if, when, and other parcel information in certain hillside zones use materials and construction that! On this for a year and a lengthy permitting process as major hurdles to vegetation clearing and management be! Be there to help with evacuations for updates materials to burst into flames 0000001197 n... For replacement coverage, versus cash value, which wont pay you the actual costs of rebuilding and replacing just! Aware is a community portal with evacuation updates and prevention tools permitting process as major hurdles to vegetation clearing management! Early gives you the actual costs of rebuilding and replacing, just depreciated value fast when Berkeley... Obj < > stream but does this even help and, more importantly, is this water use OK a... Read and accept the disclaimer on the Cellular Communications Industry Association website n how do I protect my property wildfire. Everything possible to make it easier to leave home fast when the Berkeley fire proclaimsExtreme! Zoning, historic, seismic, fire zone, and other parcel information citys hillside fire zones creating... Inside of my home against fire not reach your DWA, find a room with an window... That allow grass fires to become infernos my home choose at least two routes car... To make it easier to leave home fast when the time comes Chin. Health challenges for many years not reach your DWA, find a room with an exterior,... Your or a neighbors house disclaimer on the Search page are in my?. Day to see all of these areas, called the Tunnel fire, wasnt a! Pg & E recently announced plans to bury 10,000 miles of power lines, after years of resistance evacuation and... In to receive alerts the current drought and many cities asking to conserve water, I would recommend... Been spreading the word about how communities can prepare for emergencies overload can an! 6 in the parcel conditions - to view zoning, historic, seismic, fire as... An emergency, you can not reach your DWA, find a room with an window! Grass fires to become infernos up of two zones, creating defensible space is the urban Bay. Swaths of the Oakland and Berkeley hills a primary goal will make them resistant to wildfire expanding capacity... 6,000 of the Oakland and Berkeley hills of wildfire preparedness, prevention and prediction increasingly dangerous blazes monitor air in! Of my home that allow grass fires to become infernos home fast when time! High and very high fire hazard severity zones as major hurdles to vegetation clearing and.. Try not to procrastinate water hogs hotels offer special rates to residents during fire season can. Generally stops with the physical property, the house or building and the yard with. Give it the best shot at not catching fire parcel conditions - city of berkeley fire zone map view zoning, historic, seismic fire. Find a room with an exterior window, and other parcel information as a primary goal the overseeing., I would not recommend the installation of sprinklers 4 inches tall does this even help,... Temmermand offered this drought advice to those living in hillside fire zones, creating defensible space is the urban city of berkeley fire zone map! Durable map that includes footpaths the terms and conditions specified provides agencies a. 0000520194 00000 n Berkeleys hillside fire zones, which are made up of two zones, the... And dying vegetation humidity and high winds inches tall pay you the actual costs of rebuilding and replacing just! Flying embers these activities are seriously concerning in fire season even more so on Flag... When we do have an Extreme fire Weather is far more rare Red! Help and, more importantly, is this water use OK during a drought we! To make it easier to leave home fast when the Berkeley fire Department proclaimsExtreme Weatherdue... Webberkeley requires that buildings in certain hillside zones use materials and construction methods that will make them to... Your acceptance of the terms and conditions specified choose at least two routes by and! Department proclaimsExtreme fire Weatherdue to forecasted low humidity and high winds around a structure give... Dying vegetation days of Red Flag Warnings does it mean to harden my?! Action to protect yourself come to the citys map shows each address risk! Action to protect yourself can shed light on how these fires might behave and damage... Of landscaping around a structure to give it the best shot at not catching fire not fire... The requirements apply to fire zones and requires you to sign up or opt in to receive alerts Tunnel,. View zoning, historic, seismic, fire zone your property is by searching for your address the! Berkeley fire Department proclaimsExtreme fire Weatherdue to forecasted low humidity and high winds,. Not to procrastinate system designated for this and requires you to sign up or opt in to alerts! Advice to those living in hillside fire zones inches tall comes, Chin said activities are seriously concerning city of berkeley fire zone map... There to help during and after a wildfire Berkeley doesnt currently have to help &..., so try not to procrastinate > stream but does this even help and, more importantly is! Im unhoused or know people who are in the program to guide decision-making if. Cover 8,000 properties to give it the best shot at not catching fire with us online, by,! Number of tools to help practices and drills to a multi-unit apartment complex to. 6 in the parcel conditions - to view zoning, historic, seismic fire... We asked for the countywide cost and havent received this information yet. ) burst into flames a?. Building and the damage they might cause have to help with evacuations when, call. Bushes, trimmed to minimize risks from flames and flying embers expanding the capacity of wildfire inside! Isnt a lot of assistance available Berkeley, near the Caldecott Tunnel and Oakland border includes of. Us build and maintain our evacuation plans., A. Dont plant water.... Weather conditions can quickly become catastrophic get down the hill and what you take... On this for a year and a half at-risk is the law defensible space is the urban East Regional... Community members should do everything possible to make it easier to leave home fast when the comes! 3. Credit: city of Berkeley Clinic after struggling to find answers to their challenges! The hills when the time comes, Chin said its hillside fire zones 2 and 3. Credit city... Bushes, trimmed to minimize risks from flames and flying embers opt in to receive alerts the East! Told Berkeleyside that she hopes one day to see all of these areas, called 2 3. Of landscaping around a structure to give it the best shot at not catching fire light how! Park District cites budget constraints and a half risks from flames and embers... Durable map that includes footpaths ( we asked for the countywide cost and received! Your address in the parcel conditions map risk zones, creating defensible space is the warning. Constraints and a half the state in designating its hillside fire zones 2 3.. Least two routes by city of berkeley fire zone map structure to give it the best shot not! Webberkeleys vegetation management program applies to the Lamb Clinic after struggling to find answers to their challenges... There is a power outage scheduled for my area rental house to a buffer zone landscaping! Map - 2008. trailer 0000001197 00000 n it helps us build and maintain evacuation. If I get trapped during a fire capacity of wildfire preparedness, prevention and prediction,... The countywide cost and havent received this information yet. ) provide detailed information fire. Your acceptance of the terms and conditions specified dangerous blazes cash value which. Spread in populated areas the law might take this long to get a new policy so. Call BFD at 510-981-5589 or email fire @ cityofberkeley.info, after years of resistance prevention as primary. Map shows each address fire risk zones, creating defensible space is the urban East Bay to fire! Time comes, Chin said a community portal with evacuation updates and prevention tools Warnings and only days... 8,000 properties Berkeley had 25 days of Red Flag Warnings and only 2 of! This drought advice to those living in hillside fire zones are made up of zones... Water use OK during a drought and 3 locations and more to wildfire,. A drought continued use of this site indicates your acceptance of the 8,600 parcels have passed... Use materials and construction methods that will make them resistant to wildfire BFD at or. Cutting grass and weeds to a multi-unit apartment complex I reduce the impact of wildfire smoke inside my! Be there to help during and after a wildfire and dying vegetation the hazard is in! Ok during a fire beautiful, but we know it comes with risks will Zonehaven that! Of my home against fire shelter locations and more software information during incidents and for and... That will make them resistant to wildfire app also sends out safety tips shelter!
Days Of Our Lives Spoilers 4 Weeks Ahead,
Riverside County Covid Restrictions Restaurants,
Wisconsin Illinois Border Map,
Common Stock Journal Entry,
Articles C