Wildfire Protection

Glenn Church
2 days ago
3 min read

In August of 2023, a brush fire off of Vega Road spread to about seven acres. Thankfully, CAL FIRE, North County Fire, and others were able to contain the fire. Photo Credit: North County Fire Protection District

Dear Friends & Neighbors,

Recently, the Board of Supervisors approved seeking a state grant to update the Monterey County Community Wildfire Protection Plan (MCCWPP). This isn’t a report to finish and leave on a shelf while risk continues to grow. It offers measurable steps to wildfire prevention. This update is an opportunity for accountability and action. During the Board meeting, I called for direct involvement by the Board and the creation of an ad hoc committee to oversee the development of this plan. Supervisor Daniels and I will be on that.

Over the years, I have expressed my concerns about the wildfire threat in our county. Immediately upon taking office, I was able to stop the county from citing and fining residents who cut up dead oak trees without a permit. Leaving them is not just an aesthetic matter, but a fire issue. I was able to initiate a pilot program for removal of eucalyptus trees. I’ve been able to direct funds to both North County Fire and Cal Fire for removal of hazardous trees while procuring essential rescue equipment and training for local firefighters. However, the MCCWPP is an opportunity for systemic change on how we can prevent a major wildfire.

The plan must include a prioritized list of projects with clear timelines and targets. Just as importantly, the public should be able to track this progress through a transparent reporting system. If we are serious about fire safety, then we must measure what we do.

We need a more aggressive and strategic approach to vegetation management. This means focusing on large-scale, high-impact fuel reduction projects. This is especially true along evacuation routes and high-risk areas. Clearing vegetation randomly or once is not enough. We must invest in maintaining these areas over time by ensuring that trees and brush do not simply grow back and recreate the same risk.

Defensible space requirements must be strengthened while also making it easier for residents to comply by providing services such as neighborhood chipping programs. The goal is a community partnership that helps residents protect their homes without heavy-handed compliance efforts.

There must also be greater emphasis on home hardening. Many homes are lost because embers land at vulnerable places. Simple improvements such as ember-resistant vents, fire-resistant roofing and maintaining a noncombustible zone immediately around the home can make a difference. These efforts should also include grant or rebate programs to help homeowners in high-risk areas.

Additionally, evacuation planning must reflect real-world conditions. Many of our roads are one way in and one way out. In a fast-moving fire those can become a life-threatening bottleneck. The plan should include a detailed analysis of alternative evacuation routes.

Finally, this effort must bring agencies together in a coordinated way. Fire protection, public infrastructure, water systems and land use planning are all interconnected when it comes to wildfire risk. By aligning these efforts, we can maximize resources and achieve better outcomes for the public, saving lives and property.

As always, don't hesitate to reach out to my office for assistance. You can reach us at 831-755-5022 or district2@countyofmonterey.gov.

Sincerely,