firewise
taking charge to reduce wildfire risk
FIREWISE
To make our neighborhood safer from wildfires Orinda Downs participates in a nationally recognized program – Firewise USA. The Firewise USA program encourages homeowners to take individual responsibility for defending their homes against wildfires. When required program steps have been completed Firewise USA certifies the community as compliant for one year for having reduced the risk of wildfires. Some insurance companies honor this certification and may offer a policy discount.
To become Firewise certified the community must
- Form a Firewise board or committee
- Obtain a wildfire risk assessment for the community
- Create an Action Plan and implement
- Conduct educational outreach
- Invest at least $25 per home in local wildfire risk-reduction actions for the year
- Submit an application to the state Firewise liaison
https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Wildfire/Firewise-USA
ORINDA DOWNS FIREWISE COMMUNITIES
- Sundown – Sundown Terrace, Silver Oak Terrace, Honeywood Road and Orinda View Road. Contacts: Rob Formanek, Marty Glick
- East Dalewood – east on Dalewood Drive from Amber Valley Drive to end, Fallen Leaf Terrace and Dalewood Terrace. Contact: Joyce Arnon, Sue Wecht
- Central Dalewood – Dalewood Drive from Lombardy Lane to Amber Valley Drive, Amber Valley Drive, Candle Terrace and Singingwood Lane. Contacts: Kathy Fernbacher, Hattie Hamlin
- West Dalewood – west on Dalewood Drive from Lombardy Lane to end, Coachwood Terrace, Red Coach Lane, Mossbridge Lane and Yarrow Valley Lane. Contacts: Joan Lucas, Steve Herrin
Our MOFD liaison are Jeff Isaacs and Gordon Graham, Fire Marshall and Fuel Mitigation Managers at:
WHAT YOU NEED TO DO
The Firewise certification requires yearly maintenance of reducing fire fuels. Last year significant progress was made clearing fuel from open spaces and homeowners property. For 2020 we ask that everyone implement the steps below on their property:
- Limb all trees a minimum of 6 feet off the ground
- Clear leaves and debris from underneath large stands of trees
- Cut tree limbs to create at least a 5-foot distance from rooflines and 10 feet from chimneys and stovepipe. (branches overhanging roofs should be removed)
- Remove combustible debris on roofs and gutters
- Remove flammable landscaping such as bamboo, juniper, rosemary and scotch room. You can research fire-retardant replacements at:
https://www.readyforwildfire.org/prepare-for-wildfire/get-ready/fire-resistant-landscaping/
- Move flammable materials such as lawn furniture and stacked wood away from structures
- Replace wood chip mulch next to the house with non-flammable ground cover
- Remove dead and dying shrubs and trees anywhere on your property
- Thin remaining decorative plantings immediately adjacent to homes to limit the amount of decaying woody material and trim the lower portions to create an air gap and to allow for removal of dead material as it accumulates
- When you replace your roof (especially aging wood shakes) install fire-rated roofing materials
We encourage you to implement these steps now and be finished by July. Waiting beyond July may be too late. If you need assistance contact Tim Opdycke, Fire Ready 925-222-5939, www.fireready.com
WILDFIRE SEASON
By summer we’re in fire season. If there is a threat of wildfire you may only have a few minutes before you must evacuate. Be prepared and do the following:
- In advance, have your important papers and a change of clothing packed in you go-bag
- Have your car parked in your driveway pointed toward the street
- Take only one car, gridlock is expected
- You may not be able to leave your property due to gridlock and you’ll be forced to shelter in place. All the more reason to reduce fire fuel on your property
You are encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts
- Contra Costa County evacuation warning, www.ccccwws.com
- Nixle, www.nixle.com
- And go to www.mofd.org/fire-prevention/abatement to learn more about creating defensible space around your home
FIRE CODE UPDATE
Chief Winnacker's presentation of proposed fire code update
https://www.mofd.org/home/showdocument?id=314
