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Adopt and present a resolution recognizing May 2024 as Wildfire Awareness Month and May 4, 2024 as Community Wildfire Preparedness Day in Solano County (Supervisor Vasquez)
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No _X _
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No _X _
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
Supervisor Vasquez requests that the Board adopt and present a resolution recognizing May 2024 as Wildfire Awareness Month and May 4, 2024 as Community Wildfire Preparedness Day in Solano County.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
Solano County has 86,973 acres at moderate to very high-risk of wildfire according to the Cal Fire State Responsibility Area Hazard Severity Map. Solano County has suffered devastating wildfires over the last several years, including the Atlas Peak fire in 2017 and the LNU Lightning Complex Fire in 2020. Fires across California are increasing in severity and frequency and preparing properties by creating defensible space and planning for evacuations are two ways residents can help protect themselves from the wildfire dangers. Humans are the largest contributing factor to wildfire ignitions, causing around 87 percent of all wildfires nationally every year and most of these fires can be prevented.
Wildfire prevention is the action everyone can take to help reduce the number of human-caused fires. The public plays a valuable role in preventing wildfires, whether it is properly extinguishing a campfire or keeping vehicles maintained to prevent sparks. Following just a few simple steps can help prevent wildfires. Solano County is developing a Countywide Wildfire Protection Plan with input from the community, local fire agencies and local Fire Safe Councils to educate, identify and manage the risk of wildfire. Wildfire preparedness is a step all residents can all take to be ready for the next fire.
Taking place on Saturday, May 4, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Lake Solano Picnic Area, located at 8685 Pleasants Valley Road, will be a wildfire community preparedness event to kick-off wildfire prevention season, with resources to help residents protect their homes and families against wildfires. Information can be found on Ready.gov offering vital safety tips on what to do before, during and after a wildfire. It is the community’s collective responsibility to take the necessary steps to be prepared for the upcoming fire season.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The costs associated with preparing the agenda item are nominal and absorbed by the Department’s FY2023/24 Working Budget. The costs associated with preparation and purchase of the resolution materials are included in the Board’s FY2023/24 Working Budget.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board could choose not to adopt this resolution but that is not recommended because the risk of wildfire is very high in Solano County and bringing attention to this critical issue and prevention efforts benefits the community.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION