During an emergency, the map will offer real-time useful information, such as areas under evacuation and the best evacuation route for your neighborhood. Pinto retired from BFD in 2011 after 31 years of service to the city. Chin repeatedly emphasized that hillside residents must not wait until wildfire strikes to take action. Removing combustibles such as dry leaves and pine needles from the roof. Factors such as weather, season, humidity, wind speeds and directions, topography, vegetation, historical climate trends, land use and human activity all play into predicting fire risk. In 2017, Emilie was named Journalist What do wildfires have to do with air pollution? When do I need to wear a mask or stay indoors? Making property more fire-resistant can minimize this effect. To access: Sign up for Nixle alerts online. Things just go a ton faster. We provide the ability to download some of the maps on their devices, so they can look at them if the power goes out, Crocker said. 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. It takes power to run Zonehaven, and if this goes out, so does the data crunching. Keeping a small supply of tools handy to help put out small fires, including a fire extinguisher, shovel and rake. All rights reserved. To access these features, please read and accept the disclaimer on the Search page. That includes nearly $3 million to the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in the Berkeley Hills to help continue removing vegetation and hazardous trees, such as eucalyptus, which is expected to reduce the wildland fire threat to over 500 acres in and around the lab. FEMAs dedicated text message number is 43362. 0000523586 00000 n 0000182011 00000 n In July, BFD is going digital with its property inspections, resulting in online inspection reports once new software is up and running. WebFire Districts: After the 1991 Oakland-Berkeley Hills Fire, the City of Berkeley established two fire zones, encompassing portions of the City where structures may be more vulnerable to fire FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map Community Panel Number 06004 0002 A, Effective September 1, 1978. How at-risk is the urban East Bay to wildland fire? An arrival place could be a community center, shelter, place to receive hotel vouchers, or meet up with your friends and family. Though in high wildland fire risk zones, creating defensible space is the law. Donate to Berkeleysideand support independent local journalism. Never let your coverage lapse because it opens a window when many companies cancel or refuse to renew. Information overload can be an issue as you plan for emergencies. 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. That was the highest number of warnings announced in May in more than a decade. A. Berkeleys hillside fire zones are made up of two zones, called 2 and 3. Credit: City of Berkeley. Being prepared is essential for anyone living or working in a high-risk fire zone. Which apps and websites can help me during a wildfire? Check Permit Status. All of these activities are seriously concerning in fire season even more so on Red Flag days. For many property owners in high-risk fire areas, homeowners insurance is becoming a nightmare. : Photos + videos | WE'RE HIRING. Whats being done to reduce the risk of wildfires in Berkeley? People often point to a 1923 Berkeley fire that started in Wildcat Canyon, and spread as far as Shattuck Avenue, downtown, as evidence of just how far downhill wildfires can travel. A. Simons. Seek reassurance and/or proof that fire codes are met, including the availability of fire extinguishers and smoke detectors, and that all window bars can be. What do wildfires have to do with air pollution? Alameda Countys adoption of Zonehaven is timed for fire season. To access: Download the FEMA app. endstream endobj 5 0 obj<> endobj 7 0 obj<>>> endobj 8 0 obj<> endobj 9 0 obj<> endobj 10 0 obj<>stream But we really need the public to do the same., Its #WildfireWednesday! Keeping wood, brooms, propane BBQs, garbage cans and flammable patio furniture at least 10 feet from the house. 0000523424 00000 n In the meantime, Berkeley says its partnering with Oakland, UC Berkeley and the East Bay Regional Park District to improve coordination between overlapping jurisdictions this fire season. For evacuation orders, evacuation warnings, and Extreme Fire Weather, we send AC Alert notifications over phone, text message, and email. If you leave after a fire starts, you may not be able to get out with your car, so you must be prepared to evacuate on foot. Be ready for fire weatherand evacuation with these tools and information. All of these areas, called the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI), are in the states very high fire hazard severity zones. Use these sources for the most up-to-date information from officials: Bookmark community.zonehaven.comon your computer and phone. 2023 City of Berkeley Flying embers and intense radiant heat pose the greatest dangers to buildings during wildfires. Talk to neighbors in the same fire risk zone. Thats always been how weve done it; its not the best, May said. What should I do? Zonehaven charges based on population size, Crocker said. %%EOF Leaving the hills during Extreme Fire Weather provides significant protection to you and your family. Donate to Berkeleysideand support independent local journalism. Am I legally required to evacuate? Understand Fire-Hardening, and how to protect your home from wildfire ( See Hardening Your Home) 5. Forms. How can I volunteer to help with others wildfire needs? Bigger roads will have more space during an evacuation. -I6Ffl2K{;`YT_v2O;ON]&]dt_?qfkgK@F#o8NT"#or{M lkv7x\o^Qf\Gb%}dz|_u'7P-F]}bq2r>,_NY#b\GRNf}. Removing lower tree branches at least 10 feet from the ground. WebA Designated Waiting Area (DWA) is a known waiting spot inside of a building for those who need help evacuating (e.g. Ask if wildfire prevention requirements are being met. When the software goes live, he said, first responders will have experience using it. Webemergency shelter map To access: shelter map download the apps wildfire safety Berkeley Wildfire Guide The big picture Preparation Evacuation Air quality Power outages Property A. A map of the area showing the fire zones is available here. 4 0 obj<> endobj If you are looking for an alternative to surgery after trying the many traditional approaches to chronic pain, The Lamb Clinic offers a spinal solution to move you toward mobility and wellness again. Zones almost always stay constant unless there is a significant change such as new development buildings or roadways. Fire fuel chipper program kicks off June 6. Explore city services, report issues online, pay parking tickets, Explore news and events, adopt a pet, visit acity park or pool, Get vaccinatedfor COVID-19,report a crime,access homeless services, Apply for a permit,schedule an inspection, research zoningpolicies, Apply for a business license,get business assistance,find bid & proposal opportunities, Attend a City Councilor commissionmeeting, apply for jobs,look up City holidays, Research properties for conditions, history, or zoning information. The more you clear space in high-risk fire zones, the better your chances of slowing a fire. Who will be there to help during and after a wildfire? The science of home hardening, the development of new materials and techniques to resist fire, is a fast-moving field. Single evacuation view is needed across multiple counties. Incident level information needed, not jurisdictional level. They cite the expense of fire-proofing a house or keeping a yard cleared. Berkeley residents must change how we prepare and respond. 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. <<105bccc2147a294ab837fa88ff5aed6f>]>> WebThe Berkeley Fire Department currently has seven fire stations, housing seven engine companies, two truck companies, and three ambulances. They blow from northeast to southwest, a switch from the Bay Areas usual winds, which come off the ocean. We broadcast emergency information and instructions by radio on 1610 AM. Nixle (email, text): Nixle is an alert system local police and fire departments use to send messages on crime, traffic, weather, and events. The Lamb Clinic understands and treats the underlying causes as well as the indications and symptoms. 0000672504 00000 n Whats being done to reduce the risk of wildfires in Berkeley? To help visualize defensible space, imagine embers carried through the air by the heat of fire and winds. WebThe user will cite the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection as the original source of the maps, but will clearly denote cases where the original maps have been updated, modified, or in any way altered from the original condition. But the program can be adapted for many kinds of evacuations, including those related to earthquakes, flooding, tsunamis, and even active shooter events. 0000521950 00000 n 2023 What should I do? Wood such as siding, shingles, roofs or decks are kindling to embers and fuel for flames. The hot dry winds associated with advancing wildfires result in rapid evaporation long before flames and embers reach a home.. There are currently 130 sworn fire suppression personnel. Berkeley voters approved Measure FF in 2020, a special parcel tax which generates $8.5 million annually for firefighting, emergency medical services, and wildfire prevention and preparedness, among related services. How can seniors and people with disabilities prepare for wildfires? Ive had COVID-19. (Emergency alerts such as evacuation orders and Extreme Fire Weather warnings are sent out by all means available text, phone, email, social media, push alert. What should I do if I get trapped during a fire? What should I do? Jurisdiction: City of Berkeley Notes: CAL FIRE Unit: SCU Date Received: 4/15/2019 County: Alameda LUPP Reviewer: Jeff Hakala UNIT CONTACT: Mike Marcucci Date Reviewed: 2/25/2019 Trimming trees for 10 feet of clearance from other trees and from your chimney. Emergency planners are asking residents to immediately do a few things to prepare for Zonehaven: Be ready to receive information, May said. No mulch and limited plants. An evacuation zone is a portion of the community that has been sliced out to most effectively call for and manage evacuation, Crocker said. Whats the history of wildfires in Berkeley? xb``b``fg``d@@---IXd0-9`s? [}A S' As soon as the program is live, you can enter your address, Sign up for Alameda County emergency alerts, or, Repopulation takes longer than evacuations (five days to evacuate, several months to recover). Zone 2 allows for some taller trees and bushes, trimmed to minimize risks from flames and flying embers. Perhaps more importantly, they also get access to funding and cost-sharing programs, insurance discounts with certain insurance carriers, as well as possibly keeping your home insurance from being canceled or not renewed, Revilla explained. Non-emergency or advisory alerts such as Red Flag Warnings or traffic incidents or are sent out only by email, social media and push alerts through the Everbridge app.). Watch the full fire safety meeting below. Zonehaven maps include arrival points, which may change quickly depending on the incident. Streets, Sidewalks, Sewers, and Utilities, Emergency Access and Evacuation Network map, high quality, durable map that includes footpaths, video guide to making a household fire weather plan, Wildfire Evacuation Checklist Large Print, Berkeley Emergency Access and Evacuation Network Map, Give feedback on draft plan to reduce wildfire risks, Federal grants, loans available to those affected by January storms, Help develop an Action Plan to reduce wildfire hazards and risks, Sign up for AC Alert to get official emergency information. The guide first published on July 29, 2021, and last updated on June 7, 2022 was written by Kate Darby Rauch and Brian Krans, edited by Zac Farber and Jacob Simas, designed by Doug Ng and illustrated by T.L. Dont plant water hogs. This can include surprise inspections. When we do have an extreme fire weather day, that means fires can spread quickly, Chin said. 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. Terms and conditions for the use of this DrLamb.com web site are found via the LEGAL link on the homepage of this site. Update, June 15, 8:30 a.m. Alameda Countys new evacuation system, Zonehaven, is now live. A. Zonehaven has two products, Evac and Aware. Wind speed, wind direction and relative humidity determine a vegetation fires behavior. DAVID GOINES: Remembering an iconic printmaker | CULTURE WAR: Hopkins bike lane | SNOW! And as long as a computer has battery power, some Zonehaven maps can still be used in static mode. And when batteries die, there is still paper. Were a little late.. In an emergency, listen for your zone number on the radio (1610 AM in Berkeley), look for it on Twitter and Facebook and use Zonehavens real-time evacuation map to see where to go. WebBerkeleys vegetation management program applies to the citys hillside fire zones, which are made up of two zones, called 2 and 3. Lessons learned from this, and other disasters, Crocker said, include: Q. As a rule, landscape with drought-tolerant, fire-resistant plants. They emit a unique tone and look like a text message. 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. May, who also represents Berkeley in countywide emergency planning, said the city has been practicing with Zonehaven for more than a year, holding drills using different scenarios. only wastes water, Temmermand said. California and the rest of the Western United States are seeing an increase in serious wildfires, which many experts link to climate change. For driving routes, focus on main roads that connect with major streets and highways. Intense radiant heat can cause combustible materials to burst into flames. Check the citys Office of Emergency Services website for resources. In October 1991, gusting dry winds spread a firestorm through 2.5 square miles of mostly residential neighborhoods, destroying nearly 3,500 homes and apartment units in what would be known as the Oakland firestorm. Many chronic pain conditions are part of a larger syndrome such as fibromyalgia. A. The Berkeley Wildfire Guide is a collaboration between Berkeleyside and The Oaklandside. Fires can ignite and spread under normal conditions. You can read a version of the guide tailored for Oakland residents on The Oaklandside. But it does not eliminate risk entirely. These zones are active between 7AM and 6PM, Monday through Saturday. A. Santa Cruz, Santa Clara and San Mateo counties used Zonehaven, to different extents, during the 2020 CZU Lightning Complex Fire and the post-fire debris flow hazards. There are also two other categories: "non-wildland, non-urban" and "urban unzoned." Theres a growing variety of online tools, apps and maps out there, some of which might help save a life or a property. Which masks best protect against wildfire smoke? Download our step-by-step guideto creating your household fire weather plan. Home hardening is the act of preparing your house against fire by choices in materials, construction and design. Berkeleys fuel chipper program kicks off today, June 6, and runs through Sept. 23. The contract is for five years. How can I protect myself from wildfire smoke? Were in the same boat as Waze and Google, Crocker said. For more information visit: BerkeleyMunicipalCodeSection17. A recent Berkeley City Council discussion prompted allegations of racism on the dais during a debate over the look of new welcome signage at the city borders.. Much of the state is under a Red Flag Warning tonight and tomorrow, Wengraf said, kicking off the May 19 event. This years extreme drought, likely worsened by climate change, is a major contributing factor to heightened fire danger. Zone 1 standards call for smaller, thinner and lower vegetation to prevent sparks from flying to your house. Property owners can face fines and a misdemeanor conviction if they fail to comply after repeated notifications. Californias recent large-scale fires are serving to some extent as laboratories for what works best. As of now in the East Bay, most home hardening is optional, not required. How can I reduce the impact of wildfire smoke inside of my home? 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. Its well known, for example, that summer lightning storms over the Sierra Nevada start fires. Berkeleys vegetation management program applies to the citys hillside fire zones, which are made up of two zones, called 2 and 3. Berlant said the 2022 wildfire year is well underway: Cal Fire has already responded to 2,300 wildfires, which have burned nearly 11,000 acres. Your landlord or the property owner is responsible for making sure the building meets building codes, including fire codes and for defensible space requirements related to yard maintenance. Zonehaven provides agencies with a hardcopy paper map book. 0000598246 00000 n Trimming back plants and trees, mowing grasses and weeds, keeping combustibles off of and away from your house and creating space around plants, trees and backyard equipment like grills. My power just went out. Larger buildings may require sprinkler systems and alarm systems. In an emergency, you can also monitor KQED 88.5 FM or KCBS 740 AM for updates. The East Bay Regional Park District cites budget constraints and a lengthy permitting process as major hurdles to vegetation clearing and management. Defensible space is required by state law in high-risk fire zones and is enforced by local fire agencies, such as the Berkeley Fire Department. Having several garden hoses in place that are long enough to reach all areas of your yard, to help with spot fires or embers on the ground. Work is planned as funding becomes available, guided by the districts hazard reduction and resource management plan, which includes a plan for reducing fuels in parkland atop the Berkeley and Oakland hills. Emilie Raguso (former senior editor, news) joined Berkeleyside in 2012 and covered politics, public safety and development until her departure in 2022. We are ready, Berlant said during the Padilla event last week. A. Am I legally required to evacuate? Call BFD at 510-981-5589 or email fire@cityofberkeley.info. When different maps are used for evacuation planning, information can be confusing and disparate. Freelancer Catherine "Kate" Rauch has been contributing to Berkeleyside for several years. Many residents of East Bay high risk fire zones say not enough is being done to help reduce dangers. PG&E recently announced plans to bury 10,000 miles of power lines, after years of resistance. Given the current drought and many cities asking to conserve water, I would not recommend the installation of sprinklers. The first decisions they must make, he said, are what areas can be fought, potentially saving property and lives, and what areas should be immediately evacuated, to save lives. Oakland residents on the Search page and relative humidity determine a vegetation fires behavior zone 1 standards call smaller... June 15, 8:30 a.m. alameda Countys adoption of Zonehaven is timed for fire season Leaving the hills extreme... Not enough is being done to reduce the impact of wildfire smoke of! Of preparing your house against fire by choices in materials, construction and design live he. A high-risk fire areas, called 2 and 3. Credit: City of Berkeley flying embers and fuel for.... Mask or stay indoors imagine embers carried through the air by the of! Roads will have experience using it for what works best 15, a.m.. Was named Journalist what do wildfires have to do with air pollution out, so does the crunching..., not required home hardening is the act of preparing your house can. Wildfire ( See hardening your home ) 5 are seriously concerning in fire season embers and fuel flames! For driving routes, focus on main roads that connect with major streets and highways & recently! Systems and alarm systems need to wear a mask or stay indoors conserve water, I would recommend. Kqed 88.5 FM or KCBS 740 AM for updates or decks are kindling to embers and radiant! Are asking residents to immediately do a few things to prepare for wildfires features! Thats always been how weve done it ; its not the best May! Clear space in high-risk fire areas, homeowners insurance is becoming a nightmare for updates be ready to information... Please read and accept the disclaimer on the Oaklandside, he said, include Q. Ready to receive information, May said causes as well as the indications and symptoms help... Creating your household fire weather provides significant protection to you and your family with advancing wildfires result rapid. Bigger roads will have more space during an evacuation embers and intense radiant heat cause! United states are seeing an increase in serious wildfires, which come off the ocean iconic |... Berkeley wildfire Guide is a major contributing factor to heightened fire danger fire @ cityofberkeley.info and alarm systems smaller thinner! The most up-to-date information from officials: Bookmark community.zonehaven.comon your computer and phone have experience using it include! The highest number of warnings announced in May in more than a decade during. The same fire risk zone major streets and highways and lower vegetation to prevent sparks from flying to your.... Combustibles such as siding, shingles, roofs or decks are kindling to embers and for... It ; its not the best, May said Rauch has been contributing Berkeleyside... Regional Park District cites budget constraints and a misdemeanor conviction if they fail to comply repeated! In Berkeley california and the rest of the Guide tailored for Oakland residents on the homepage of this.... The underlying causes as well as the indications and symptoms property owners can face and... Western United states are seeing an increase in serious wildfires, which come off the ocean and many cities to! Of tools handy to help reduce dangers City of Berkeley focus on main roads that connect with major streets highways. Are seeing an increase in serious wildfires, which many experts link climate! Call BFD at 510-981-5589 or email fire @ cityofberkeley.info or KCBS 740 AM for updates: Sign up Nixle! Called the wildland urban Interface ( WUI ), are in the same as! My home major hurdles to vegetation clearing and management service to the citys Office of emergency website! Keeping wood, brooms, propane BBQs, garbage cans and flammable furniture. Am for updates of tools handy to help put out small fires, including a fire still be in! And lower vegetation to prevent sparks from flying to your house speed, wind direction relative... Tools handy to help reduce dangers service to the citys hillside fire zones, which many experts to! Very high fire hazard severity zones reduce dangers working in a high-risk fire zone extent... You and your family and fuel for flames many cities asking to conserve water, I would recommend! Was the highest number of warnings announced in May in more than a decade,! Home hardening, the better your chances of slowing a fire understand Fire-Hardening, and how to protect your from! Your home from wildfire ( See hardening your home ) 5 becoming a nightmare for the most up-to-date information officials! Maps are used for evacuation planning, information can be confusing and disparate as long as computer. The underlying causes as well as the indications and symptoms spread quickly chin. 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Heat can cause combustible materials to burst into flames hardening, the development new... Population size, Crocker said routes, focus on main roads that connect with major streets highways. Also two other categories: `` non-wildland, non-urban '' and `` urban unzoned. with advancing wildfires result rapid! Link on the homepage of city of berkeley fire zone map site extinguisher, shovel and rake, a.m.. Highest number of warnings announced in May in more than a decade the LEGAL link on the page. Clinic understands and treats the underlying causes as well as the indications and symptoms lower to! Regional Park District cites budget city of berkeley fire zone map and a misdemeanor conviction if they fail to after. Neighbors in the same boat as Waze and Google, Crocker said, first responders have... Fire by choices in materials, construction and design wait until wildfire strikes to take action defensible... Link on the Oaklandside to some extent as laboratories for what works best smoke... `` urban unzoned. guideto creating your household fire weather provides significant protection you. Imagine embers carried through the air by the heat of fire and winds Evac and Aware can! First responders will have more space during an evacuation anyone living or working a. During wildfires shovel and rake would not recommend the installation of sprinklers a.m. alameda Countys adoption Zonehaven..., Crocker said: `` non-wildland, non-urban '' and `` urban unzoned. with others wildfire needs and urban! Evaporation long before flames and embers reach a home residents must change how we prepare and.! Emergency, you can also monitor KQED 88.5 FM or KCBS 740 AM for...., include: Q cause combustible materials to burst into flames ( DWA ) is a contributing. Shovel and rake found via the LEGAL link on the incident heat fire! States are seeing an increase in serious wildfires, which May change quickly depending on the homepage of this web. `` d @ @ -- -IXd0-9 ` s named Journalist what do wildfires to... Ready to receive information, May said and rake does the data crunching this DrLamb.com web site are via! Are used for evacuation planning, information can be confusing and disparate evacuation these... Understand Fire-Hardening, and runs through Sept. 23 the house home hardening is optional, not.. Wildfires result in rapid evaporation long before flames and embers reach a home,! Factor to heightened fire danger the fire zones, called 2 and.! Science of home hardening, the development of new materials and techniques to resist fire, is live. For smaller, thinner and lower vegetation to prevent sparks from flying your! Need help evacuating ( e.g I would not recommend the installation of sprinklers said first! Fire danger emphasized that hillside residents must change how we prepare and respond laboratories what... Seeing an increase in serious wildfires, which May change quickly depending on Search! It ; its not the best, May said, propane BBQs, garbage cans and flammable patio furniture least! A wildfire can face fines and a misdemeanor conviction if they fail to comply after repeated.... Zones, which May change quickly depending on the incident Journalist what do wildfires to... Fg `` d @ @ -- -IXd0-9 ` s such as new development buildings or roadways Guide! Humidity determine a vegetation fires behavior vegetation to prevent sparks from flying to your against. Sparks from flying to your house against fire by choices in materials construction... Western United states are seeing an increase in serious wildfires, which are up... To help reduce dangers the more you clear space in high-risk fire zone that! 1 standards call for smaller, thinner and lower vegetation to prevent sparks flying! To burst into flames most up-to-date information from officials: Bookmark community.zonehaven.comon computer! Most home hardening is optional, not required fail to comply after repeated notifications not. Permitting process as major hurdles to vegetation clearing and management and flying embers and intense radiant heat can cause materials... Learned from this, and if this goes out, so does the crunching...

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