Major canyons which present a fire problem include Claremont Creek CanyonClaremont Boulevard, Temescal Creek Canyon-Thornhill Drive, and Shephard Creek Canyon-Park Boulevard. LOCAL EFFORTS A. East Bay Regional Park District The District has approved $54,397 for immediate tree removal, ground fuel reduction, and to purchase equipment and hire added personnel and services. They are presently working on fuelbreak construction in Sibley Park on the ridge between intersection of Grizzly Peak and Skyline Boulevards. They have removed 2,000 trees as of March 22. B. East Bay Municipal Utility District They have approved expenditure for August 1 readiness of $900,000 water improvement project along crest of hills above City of Oakland. It includes two 400,000 gallon reservoirs, one 250,000 gallon reservoir, with 12-inch mains and 15 added pumping connections. They have authorized expenditure of $60,000 for contract tree removal adjacent to water tank and pumping sites and upon watershed areas bordering subdivision. They have diverted maintenance personnel to the removal of trees and debris. C. City of Oakland As of March 19, they report the following city funds expended or planned: The problem may be divided into four major areas of concern and need for action: 1. The threat represented by the large stands of dead trees on lands of EBRPD and EBMUD on the easterly edge of the area to the urban buildup to the west should a fire develop in this area or beyond under north and east wind conditions. 2. Fire ignition and spread on private properties and separate residential lots. (It is in this area and along the main highway system that the risk of ignition is highest.) 3. The hazard from dead trees or their limbs to powerlines, other utilities and highways. 4. The structural damage potential of dead eucalyptus trees on individual residential lots from falling limbs or trees. Of primary concern is the Montclair area of Oakland between the Caldecott Tunnel and Joaquin Miller Park. A similar but lesser problem exists in the city of Berkeley between the city limits on Grizzly Peak Boulevard near University of California, Berkeley properties and the intersection of Wildcat Canyon Road with Grizzly Peak Boulevard on the north. Efforts of the Public Works Department include mapping and surveying and hazard reduction in city parks. Efforts of the city fire department include planned establishment of a temporary fire station in the vicinity of Grizzy Peak Boulevard and Marlborough Terrace, additional hydrant installation on supplemental EBMUD water system, and fire prevention and administrative efforts. Efforts of the Parks and Recreation Department include removal of trees on city properties. As of March 22 they have removed 4,200 trees with city personnel from city property. (Note: The Director of the Oakland Department of Parks and Recreation has estimated, based upon tree removal following the 1970 Fish Ranch Road fire, that it would require $339,000 to remove trees from public lands and $759,000 to remove trees from private lands.) D. City of Berkeley Current report not available of efforts to date. Report of March 6, 1973, estimates need for $25,000 to $30,000 to provide assistance in removal and disposal of material from private lands using city personnel and equipment. This cost estimate assumes the property owner will clean the property and bring the material to the public right of way. E. University of California, Berkeley Efforts to date include definition of the problem and establishment of priorities for action. They intend to remove trees and ground litter in priority areas to the extent of present resources. News releases of March 15 indicated a need for $500,000 to remove dead trees and ground fuel to prevent fire danger to the campus. RECOMMENDATIONS AND PROPOSED COURSES OF ACTION A high fire hazard exists in the area; however, it is the judgment of this team that a true state of emergency and disaster does not exist. Although the fuel hazard has increased about 50 percent because of the changed situation in the dead eucalyptus stands, in comparison with the situation as it existed last year, and in comparison with similar high fire hazard conditions in similar areas of California where life and property are exposed to the hazards of wildland fires, this area cannot be declared a disaster. It is the judgment of this team that the problem can be reduced to the degree of hazard which existed last year, and be further improved by a combination of efforts of private citizens, local and state government. The following recommendations and courses of action are proposed to reduce this hazard: A. Individual Home Owner Cleanup Individual home owner cleanup should be maximized as provided for by fire prevention ordinances of both the City of Oakland and the City of Berkeley. These should include the following: 1. Ground fuel cleanup. 2. Clearance of hanging and loose material and limbs from tree trunks to a 10-foot height. 3. Thinning and removal of small trees and saplings. 4. Clearance of dead canopies from near structures to minimize any spread of fire to structures or vice versa. This effort should apply to private properties, both occupied and vacant. Adequate home owner cleanup will minimize the risk of fires starting and spreading on these properties, the risk of spot fires from any encroaching wildfires, and the buildup of heat in ground fuels to carry fire into tree canopies. It will be necessary that the city and/or county provide an adequate disposal system for this debris. Substantial reductions can be made in the fire hazard without removing the larger trees. It is recognized that most property owners will desire to remove the dead trees for aesthetics and to minimize the risk of structural damage at some future time from falling trees or limbs. Because of the nature of eucalyptus species and the difficulty of cutting eucalyptus material when it becomes fully dried out, property owners are encouraged to remove these trees at an early date. This will create additional problems of debris removal which must be reckoned with. The removal of ground vegetation by raking, pruning, trimming and thinning, particularly in proximity to structures, is a practice that should be firmly enforced on all properties regardless of location where people choose to live in an environment of high fire hazard. B. Utility and Highway Rights of Way State and local governments and public utilities should closely inspect their rights of way for the possibility of damage and accumulation of debris within these areas. This is particularly important in the case of above-ground powerlines where fire may be started if the lines are intercepted by trees or falling limbs. In addition, adequate clearance of ground surfaces will enhance the fire protection capability. C. Fuelbreak Systems The Fire Prevention and Suppression Subcommittee, which has been working on this matter since the middle of February, proposes the establishment of a fuelbreak system in the East Bay Hills. The team supports this approach. This is primarily applicable to the lands of the East Bay Regional Park District and East Bay Municipal Utility District. When located on strategic ridges, canyons, or along ridgetop road systems, such as Grizzly Peak Boulevard and Skyline Boulevard, these serve the following purposes: 1. Through fuel reduction, reduce the risk of fire ignition and initial spread along these highly used roadways. 2. Through thinning, trimming and pruning, will serve to separate the larger stands along the ridgetop and to the east from the built-up urban areas in the canyons on the west. 3. Will improve capabilities of the fire protection agencies for safe access and control of fires approaching the ridges from either a westerly or easterly direction. Priorities of action for a fuelbreak system are as follows: 1. From vicinity Castle Drive and Joaquin Miller Park along Skyline Boulevard north to vicinity Broadway Terrace and Caldecott Tunnel, a distance of approxmatiely five miles. 2. From vicinity Berkeley city limits and UC Berkeley property on Grizzly Peak Boulevard north, generally along Wildcat Canyon Roard to intersection of Wildcat Canyon Road and Grizzly Peak Boulevard, a distance of about 21⁄2 miles. 3. From vicinity Marlborough Terrace and Grizzly Peak Boulevard north along Grizzly Peak Boulevard to Berkeley city limits, a distance of about three miles. Although a width of 330 feet is frequently used for fuelbreak systems, the constructed width will be substantially variable dependent upon fuel and topographic conditions at any one location. Because of difficulties in securing access over private properties, any fuelbreak systems should be constructed as much as possible on public lands, primarily East Bay Regional District. Although various estimates have been made of the cost and magnitude of this effort, an evaluation by experienced Division of Forestry personnel estimates that by August 1, presuming a start by April 1, high priority areas in this 10-mile strip could be treated with substantial reduction in the fire problem by the work to be accomplished by three 15-man crews. Dependent upon alternatives which might be utilized, this cost is estimated to be between $100,000 and $150,000. In consideration of the public interest involved, the strategic location of this ridgetop, and the adjacent State Responsibility Areas, it is recommended that the State secure funding for this effort in order that work may begin as soon as possible. In addition to the above north-south fuelbreak system, the need for some type of lateral fuelbreaks has been considered to break up the area and to provide safe access for fire control equipment. These include locations on Claremont Canyon Boulevard, Panoramic Way to Chaparral Hill across Claremont Canyon, Thornhill Drive, and Park Boulevard. An estimated two miles of effort has been mentioned. P. G. and E. rights of way at four locations offer opportunities for fire barriers. These are: 1. The single tower line serving UC Berkeley which crosses Grizzly Peak Boulevard just south of Grizzly Peak. 2. The three tower line serving the Temescal Substation which crosses Grizzly Peak Boulevard in the vicinity of Broadway Terrace. 3. The twin tower line which serves Park Boulevard and crosses Man zanita Avenue and Skyline Boulevard north of Park Boulevard. 4. The twin tower service extending south from upper San Leandro Reservoir through the center of the Lake Chabot area. It is recommended that debris to be removed as a part of fuelbreak construction be burned on the site in piles or windrows as much as possible for maximum progress of effort. D. Perimeter Protection It is recommended that prescribed fire be used to accomplish a perimeter protection fireline around the large stands of eucalyptus trees on East Bay Regional Park and East Bay Municipal Utility District lands. This will minimize the chance of fires encroaching into the large groves, or ground fires spreading from these lands. Because of the nature of the soil in this area, fire is recommended as the best action. E. Interior Stand Fuel Reduction As much as possible, a program of fuel reduction within the large stands, primarily on East Bay Regional Park District lands, should be accomplished. Alter natives include prescribed fire, use of hand labor with hand tools, use of hand labor with mechanized equipment. Use of fire includes the following alternatives: 1 Burning accumulated material or slash in piles or windrows. 2 Use of incinerator systems such as the air curtain destructor, Camran air curtain burner, or “Schimke Incinerator." 3. Light broadcast burning. The best alternatives would, of necessity, have to be determined on the ground. F. Vegetation Management Substantial discussion and planning has taken place by the local subcommittee regarding the need for a long-range vegetative management plan for the area, presuming ultimate removal of all or most eucalyptus stands. This team has not addressed itself to this study. However, the team is advised that substantial consulting resources are available to aid this effort, including those of various state agencies, the University of California at Berkeley, the U.S. Forest Service, and others. The Pacific Southwest Forest and Range Experiment Station has available a substantial body of expertise in this area, and they have stated that they intend to make this available for this project as may be desired and necessary. However, vegetation management and long-term maintenance will be necessary to insure continued effectiveness of these hazard reduction measures, and in particular the fuelbreak system. A planned maintenance program is required with the need accentuated by the sprouting characteristics of eucalyptus species. Both private property owners and public agencies will need to address themselves to this matter. G. Removal and Disposal A major problem in accomplishing any of the above courses of action is dependent upon the establishment of a recognized system for disposal of debris to be removed. Sites east of the Caldecott Tunnel at the tunnel rock quarry and in the vicinity of Gateway Boulevard have been mentioned by local agencies. Disposal sites need to be established as close as possible to the built-up areas. This need should be given high priority. In addition to the need for adequate and proximate disposal sites, private property owners are greatly in need of assistance in moving the flammable material from their separate properties to the disposal sites. The opportunities for state and local government assistance in this effort should be explored. The Division of Forestry and the U.S. Forest Service have information on incinerator systems which will accelerate the disposal of this material. H. Increased Fire Prevention and Fire Control Preparedness Measures The Cities of Berkeley and Oakland are embarking upon a house-to-house cleanup and enforcement campaign on private properties, using fire station personnel and fire prevention bureaus. This effort is strongly endorsed and will pay bstantial dividends in fire hazard reduction throughout this high fire hazard area. Contact has been made with public utilities in the area. It may be necessary to strengthen fire prevention patrols during the high risk periods this summer. The additional water service to be provided by EBMUD will improve firefighting capability in the area. East Bay Regional Park District BIBLIOGRAPHY -Report of Action Taken to Date by EBRPD," Gary A. Tate to William H. Hildebrand, March 8, 1973. "Stratification of Aerial Photos" (the 1/12000 9 x 9 colored aerial photographs taken by the PSW Station of the affected area on February 15, 1973). East Bay Municipal Utility District "Initial Recommendations," G. L. Laverty, Chairman, Special Task Force Eucalyptus Tree Fire Hazard Committee, to John S. Harnet, General Manager, March 12, 1973. City of Berkeley Homeowners Notice for Fire Prevention in Critical Fire Areas," Robert H. Kearney, Fire Chief, March 1, 1973. "Supplemental Report on the Eucalyptus Tree Fire Hazard," City Manager's Report #73-12, March 6, 1973. City of Oakland "Fire Hazard-East Bay Hills," Cecil S. Riley, City Manager, to City Council, March 1, 1973. "Oakland Fire Department to Inspect Hill Area Homes," Stephen L. Menietti, Fire Chief, March 1973. Oakland Fire Code Appendix E, "Suppression and Control of Hazardous Fire Areas," Edgar B. Haney, Fire Marshal. Memorandum, Stephen L. Menietti, Fire Chief, to Deputy State Forester John Hastings, March 19, 1973. University of California, Berkeley Memorandum, Russell Norman, Campus Fire Marshal, to Deputy State Forester John Hastings, March 16, 1973. Forest Fire Laboratory, PSW Station, USFS, Riverside "Comments on the Oakland-Berkeley Eucalyptus Frost Kill Problem," Robert Irwin, Research Liaison Forester, March 16, 1973. California Division of Forestry Memorandum, Assistant Deputy Joe E. Griggs to Deputy State Forester J. H. Hastings, March 20, 1973. Several meetings have been held by the Fire Prevention and Suppression Subcommittee to achieve preparedness for the summer fire problem. Since the problems of perimeter fire control, mobile fire attack, and command and control under complex mutual aid operations are experienced infrequently by fire departments in the East Bay, they are encouraged to look intensively at their needs for training and further planning in these areas. It is expected that the experiences of the September 1970 fire near Fish Ranch Road will be of value. Past experience has demonstrated that substantial difficulties can be expected in communications and command and control between the multiple agencies which are frequently involved in responding to wildland fires with a high concentration of life and property exposures included. Advantage should be taken of the experience of such agencies as the Office of Emergency Services, State Division of Forestry, U.S. Forest Service, Los Angeles County Fire Department and Los Angeles City Fire Department. Planning and preparedness must also consider the need for evacuation for life safety of exposed citizens, including liaison with law enforcement. The East Bay Regional Park District should become an active participant in the National Fire Danger Rating System with appropriate danger rating stations. From: Office of Emergency Services. Mr. JOHN H. HASTINGS, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, March 12, 1973. Deputy State Forester, Division of Forestry. Department of Conservation, Sacramento, Calif. As a result of our meeting on March 9, 1973, I would like to set forth my understanding of the steps that will be taken by the committee in an effort to resolve the problems resulting from the January freeze throughout the State. If I may term the steps to be taken "phases," then the first phase of your investigation will be to establish what hazards presently exist and what actions should be taken to mitigate those hazards. This will identify the problems in the area of Contra Costa and Alameda Counties which encompasses approximately 3,000 acres and over 2,000,000 trees. In your findings you should set forth those areas of state, local government, and private responsibility, determining what effort is being made by each of the entities involved to minimize or eliminate the potential threat, what efforts can be made under present authority of state responsibility to minimize or eliminate the threat, and if additional assistance is needed, in either case, what that assistance is and an estimated monetary cost. Hopefully, you will have this phase completed and your report to us by close of business, March 20. From our meeting, it became apparent that there would also be a need for a second phase-a long-range program which may include the elimination of the 95-978 0-73-3 |