CURRENT PROJECTS
Grove Street Fuel Load Reduction Project
Priority:
HIGH
Category:
Fuels Reduction & Ignition Reduction
Status:
COMPLETED - fall of 2021
What and Why:
Identified as a priority in our Community Wildfire Protection Plan, the Grove Sr Fire Fuel Reduction project is designed to reduce risk during evacuation and create an approximate 50 feet wide fire break along lower 1.3 miles and 11 acres of lower Grove from Canyon to the first S curve. This is a roadway that serves as a key emergency egress route serving approximately 891 residents in the immediate area, on approximately 2,954 parceled acres in the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI). The project will include the removal of hazardous and invasive vegetation and limbing up mature trees to 10 feet within the public right of way to create a shaded fuel break. Invasive species, such as Scotch Broom (Sarothamnus scopariu), will be removed, while other materials will be chipped and left on the site. The intent of the project is to prepare the right of ways so that Sonoma County can maintain it in the future.
Who:
The project is a joint effort of the Gove St Fire Council GS FSC), the Civilian Conservation Corp North Bay (CCNB), and Sonoma County Department of Transportation and Public Works (TPW). Fire Safe Sonoma contributed to the incubation of the project. GS FSC provides sponsorship, documentation such as photographs and maps, community coordination, and communications. CCNB provides management and workers to perform the project. TPW provides CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act) permitting, encroachment fees, staking of the right of way, and traffic control. TPW is also the easement holder for the right of way.
When:
The project is planned to start in August 9th (after bird nesting) and will is scheduled to last five to six weeks. CCNB will be working Grove St in conjunction with two grant projects, so work may not be continuous. Also, fire conditions may require suspending work during some periods.
Funding:
The project is funded by a Proposition 68 grant to CCNB in the amount of $78,670.00. The Sonoma County Department of Transportation & Public works will provide $45,000.00 of in-kind matching funds by providing staff to oversee daily traffic control, waiving encroachment permit fees, and covering the costs to file CEQA documents The Grove Street Fire Safe Council will provide $5,000.00 of in-kind matching funds in the form of administrative services, overhead costs, marketing and outreach, content creation, press releases, social media marketing, and the printing and mailing of media materials announcing, describing, and promoting the project.
Cooperating Agencies:
Civilian Conservation Corp North Bay (CCNB), Sonoma County Department of Transportation and Public Works (TPW)
GSFSC Participants:
Mark Hannon (14hannon@gmail), Dave Duncan, Harold N Marsh III, Nancy Evers Kirwan
HIGH
Category:
Fuels Reduction & Ignition Reduction
Status:
COMPLETED - fall of 2021
What and Why:
Identified as a priority in our Community Wildfire Protection Plan, the Grove Sr Fire Fuel Reduction project is designed to reduce risk during evacuation and create an approximate 50 feet wide fire break along lower 1.3 miles and 11 acres of lower Grove from Canyon to the first S curve. This is a roadway that serves as a key emergency egress route serving approximately 891 residents in the immediate area, on approximately 2,954 parceled acres in the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI). The project will include the removal of hazardous and invasive vegetation and limbing up mature trees to 10 feet within the public right of way to create a shaded fuel break. Invasive species, such as Scotch Broom (Sarothamnus scopariu), will be removed, while other materials will be chipped and left on the site. The intent of the project is to prepare the right of ways so that Sonoma County can maintain it in the future.
Who:
The project is a joint effort of the Gove St Fire Council GS FSC), the Civilian Conservation Corp North Bay (CCNB), and Sonoma County Department of Transportation and Public Works (TPW). Fire Safe Sonoma contributed to the incubation of the project. GS FSC provides sponsorship, documentation such as photographs and maps, community coordination, and communications. CCNB provides management and workers to perform the project. TPW provides CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act) permitting, encroachment fees, staking of the right of way, and traffic control. TPW is also the easement holder for the right of way.
When:
The project is planned to start in August 9th (after bird nesting) and will is scheduled to last five to six weeks. CCNB will be working Grove St in conjunction with two grant projects, so work may not be continuous. Also, fire conditions may require suspending work during some periods.
Funding:
The project is funded by a Proposition 68 grant to CCNB in the amount of $78,670.00. The Sonoma County Department of Transportation & Public works will provide $45,000.00 of in-kind matching funds by providing staff to oversee daily traffic control, waiving encroachment permit fees, and covering the costs to file CEQA documents The Grove Street Fire Safe Council will provide $5,000.00 of in-kind matching funds in the form of administrative services, overhead costs, marketing and outreach, content creation, press releases, social media marketing, and the printing and mailing of media materials announcing, describing, and promoting the project.
Cooperating Agencies:
Civilian Conservation Corp North Bay (CCNB), Sonoma County Department of Transportation and Public Works (TPW)
GSFSC Participants:
Mark Hannon (14hannon@gmail), Dave Duncan, Harold N Marsh III, Nancy Evers Kirwan
Develop and Publish a Community Wildfire Preparedness Plan
Priority:
HIGH
Category:
Education and Evacuation
Status:
COMPLETED - fall of 2021
Goal:
Produce a high-quality booklet available to all residents in the Grove Street Fire Safe Council, Inc. (GSFSCI) area to further their awareness of:
• Preparation and planning
• Evacuation preparedness and procedures
• Preparing to return after a wildfire and have it available on the Grove Street Fire Safe Council website
Anticipated Participants:
CAL FIRE, Sonoma Valley Fire Protection District, Department of Emergency
Management, Sonoma County Sheriff’s Offices, and Fire Safe Sonoma
Potential Cooperating Agencies and/or Programs:
George Ranch Community Association, Diamond ‘A’ Neighborhood Association, Diamond ‘A’ Recreation Center, Westerbeke Ranch
Potential Funding Sources:
Community donations, public/private grants
HIGH
Category:
Education and Evacuation
Status:
COMPLETED - fall of 2021
Goal:
Produce a high-quality booklet available to all residents in the Grove Street Fire Safe Council, Inc. (GSFSCI) area to further their awareness of:
• Preparation and planning
• Evacuation preparedness and procedures
• Preparing to return after a wildfire and have it available on the Grove Street Fire Safe Council website
Anticipated Participants:
CAL FIRE, Sonoma Valley Fire Protection District, Department of Emergency
Management, Sonoma County Sheriff’s Offices, and Fire Safe Sonoma
Potential Cooperating Agencies and/or Programs:
George Ranch Community Association, Diamond ‘A’ Neighborhood Association, Diamond ‘A’ Recreation Center, Westerbeke Ranch
Potential Funding Sources:
Community donations, public/private grants
Evacuation Education
Priority:
HIGH
Category:
Education
Status:
ONGOING
Goal:
To educate and inform residents and property owners regarding approved and authorized evacuation procedures and protocols. To provide residents the knowledge required to make informed decisions, and to evacuate safely, efficiently, and effectively.
• Conduct an ongoing, year-round education/awareness campaign via community workshops and presentations (live and virtual), website information, and newsletters to inform residents of evacuation-related topics.
• Educate residents about the evacuation procedures, protocols, and guidelines
developed in conjunction with, and approved by, the Sheriff’s Department, Department of Emergency Management, CalFire, and Sonoma Valley Fire District.
• Organize evacuation exercises in collaboration with the Sonoma County Department of Emergency Management.
• Provide educational brochures, checklists, booklets, and other materials for residents to learn about sources of official emergency notifications and wildfire incident updates, evacuation preparedness, procedures, and protocols.
Anticipated Participants:
Grove Street Fire Safe Council Board Members, Fire Safe Sonoma, Cal Fire,
Sonoma Valley Fire District, Sonoma County Department of Emergency Management, PG&E, owners of adjoining properties.
Potential Cooperating Agencies and/or Programs:
California Office of Emergency Management, American Red Cross
Potential Funding Sources:
Community donations, public/private grants
HIGH
Category:
Education
Status:
ONGOING
Goal:
To educate and inform residents and property owners regarding approved and authorized evacuation procedures and protocols. To provide residents the knowledge required to make informed decisions, and to evacuate safely, efficiently, and effectively.
• Conduct an ongoing, year-round education/awareness campaign via community workshops and presentations (live and virtual), website information, and newsletters to inform residents of evacuation-related topics.
• Educate residents about the evacuation procedures, protocols, and guidelines
developed in conjunction with, and approved by, the Sheriff’s Department, Department of Emergency Management, CalFire, and Sonoma Valley Fire District.
• Organize evacuation exercises in collaboration with the Sonoma County Department of Emergency Management.
• Provide educational brochures, checklists, booklets, and other materials for residents to learn about sources of official emergency notifications and wildfire incident updates, evacuation preparedness, procedures, and protocols.
Anticipated Participants:
Grove Street Fire Safe Council Board Members, Fire Safe Sonoma, Cal Fire,
Sonoma Valley Fire District, Sonoma County Department of Emergency Management, PG&E, owners of adjoining properties.
Potential Cooperating Agencies and/or Programs:
California Office of Emergency Management, American Red Cross
Potential Funding Sources:
Community donations, public/private grants
Community Chipping Program
Priority:
HIGH
Category:
Fuels Reduction
Status:
ONGOING ANNUALLY
Goal:
Reduce/remove hazardous vegetation on residential properties to minimize wildfire intensity.
● Removal of fallen branches, overgrown brush and other vegetation around residential properties that comply with County regulations (13A) and create strong defensible spaces around structures.
● The chipper program will offer service to residents who are working on their wildfire safety clearance and creating their defensible space around their homes.
● The program provides an alternative to burning or hauling fire hazardous brush.
● Ease of vegetation disposal will increase the likelihood of residents removing hazardous vegetation.
Anticipated Participants:
Grove Street Fire Safe Council Board Members, County of Sonoma
Potential Cooperating Agencies and/or Programs:
County of Sonoma
Potential Funding Sources:
Community donations, County of Sonoma Chipper Program
HIGH
Category:
Fuels Reduction
Status:
ONGOING ANNUALLY
Goal:
Reduce/remove hazardous vegetation on residential properties to minimize wildfire intensity.
● Removal of fallen branches, overgrown brush and other vegetation around residential properties that comply with County regulations (13A) and create strong defensible spaces around structures.
● The chipper program will offer service to residents who are working on their wildfire safety clearance and creating their defensible space around their homes.
● The program provides an alternative to burning or hauling fire hazardous brush.
● Ease of vegetation disposal will increase the likelihood of residents removing hazardous vegetation.
Anticipated Participants:
Grove Street Fire Safe Council Board Members, County of Sonoma
Potential Cooperating Agencies and/or Programs:
County of Sonoma
Potential Funding Sources:
Community donations, County of Sonoma Chipper Program
Power Line Ignition Tree Removal
Priority:
HIGH
Category:
Ignition Reduction, Fuels Reduction
Status:
In progress - estimated completion TBD
Goal:
Reduce/remove hazardous vegetation adjacent to any power lines within the entire
Grove Street community area.
● Remove any trees, branches, or vegetation (alive, dead, or dying) that pose a risk of falling on powerlines.
● PG&E has the responsibility to keep the power lines clear of vegetation that poses risk of wildfire ignition. In many cases, there have been trees marked for removal (over the last 3 years) but PG&E has either lost track of this management or has yet to complete the project.
Anticipated Participants:
PG&E, licensed contractors, Fire Safe Sonoma, property owners, Grove Street Fire Safe Council Board Members
Potential Cooperating Agencies and/or Programs:
Licensed tree contractors, Cal Fire, property owners
Potential Funding Sources:
PG&E, community donations, public/private grants
HIGH
Category:
Ignition Reduction, Fuels Reduction
Status:
In progress - estimated completion TBD
Goal:
Reduce/remove hazardous vegetation adjacent to any power lines within the entire
Grove Street community area.
● Remove any trees, branches, or vegetation (alive, dead, or dying) that pose a risk of falling on powerlines.
● PG&E has the responsibility to keep the power lines clear of vegetation that poses risk of wildfire ignition. In many cases, there have been trees marked for removal (over the last 3 years) but PG&E has either lost track of this management or has yet to complete the project.
Anticipated Participants:
PG&E, licensed contractors, Fire Safe Sonoma, property owners, Grove Street Fire Safe Council Board Members
Potential Cooperating Agencies and/or Programs:
Licensed tree contractors, Cal Fire, property owners
Potential Funding Sources:
PG&E, community donations, public/private grants
Home Assessment Program
Priority:
HIGH
Category:
Education
Status:
ONGOING
Goal:
To conduct wildfire vulnerability assessments of residents’ homes throughout the
Council’s geographic area. The first objective of the assessments is to inform residents of the features and characteristics of their home that may make it more vulnerable to ignition and damage from wildfire. The second objective is to provide residents with a checklist of specific recommendations, action items, and resources that can reduce their home’s vulnerability to wildfire. The overall goal of the assessment program is to teach and encourage residents to take action to control and mitigate wildfire risks to their property.
● This project will use the Wildland Fire Assessment Program (WFAP) created by the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) and the U.S. Forest Service. The WFAP applies an 82-point checklist of factors that can determine a home’s vulnerability to wildfire.
● Assessors will complete the training course provided by the NVFC. As practicable, supplemental training will be obtained from NFPA courses and certifications, and the study of professional research, including publications of the Office of the State Fire Marshall (OSFM) and the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IIBHS).
● Upon completion of the home assessment, the resident will receive a written report of recommendations applicable to their property. All assessments are completely voluntary and free of charge, although residents will be invited to make donations to the GSFSC if they find the assessment to be of value.
Anticipated Participants:
Grove Street Fire Safe Council Board Members, property owners
Potential Cooperating Agencies and/or Programs:
Fire Safe Sonoma, Cal Fire, Sonoma Valley Fire District, Permit Sonoma, PG&E
Potential Funding Sources:
Individual donations, Cal Fire Grants, IIBHS
HIGH
Category:
Education
Status:
ONGOING
Goal:
To conduct wildfire vulnerability assessments of residents’ homes throughout the
Council’s geographic area. The first objective of the assessments is to inform residents of the features and characteristics of their home that may make it more vulnerable to ignition and damage from wildfire. The second objective is to provide residents with a checklist of specific recommendations, action items, and resources that can reduce their home’s vulnerability to wildfire. The overall goal of the assessment program is to teach and encourage residents to take action to control and mitigate wildfire risks to their property.
● This project will use the Wildland Fire Assessment Program (WFAP) created by the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) and the U.S. Forest Service. The WFAP applies an 82-point checklist of factors that can determine a home’s vulnerability to wildfire.
● Assessors will complete the training course provided by the NVFC. As practicable, supplemental training will be obtained from NFPA courses and certifications, and the study of professional research, including publications of the Office of the State Fire Marshall (OSFM) and the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IIBHS).
● Upon completion of the home assessment, the resident will receive a written report of recommendations applicable to their property. All assessments are completely voluntary and free of charge, although residents will be invited to make donations to the GSFSC if they find the assessment to be of value.
Anticipated Participants:
Grove Street Fire Safe Council Board Members, property owners
Potential Cooperating Agencies and/or Programs:
Fire Safe Sonoma, Cal Fire, Sonoma Valley Fire District, Permit Sonoma, PG&E
Potential Funding Sources:
Individual donations, Cal Fire Grants, IIBHS
Defensible Space Education
Priority:
HIGH
Category:
Education & Outreach
Status:
ONGOING
Goal:
To educate and inform residents and property owners regarding the principles of
defensible space to minimize structural ignition and damage from wildfire. To create a culture of year-round implementation of defensible space strategies. To provide the knowledge property owners can use to control and mitigate wildfire risks from vegetation adjacent to structures.
●Conduct an ongoing, year-round education/awareness campaign via community workshops and presentations (live and/or virtual), website information, and newsletters to educate residents and property owners about defensible space fuel reduction.
● Conduct educational sessions to show specific examples of defensible space implementation using before-and-after case studies.
● Provide educational brochures, checklists, research articles, and other materials for residents to use as references while implementing defensible space strategies.
Anticipated Participants:
Grove Street Fire Safe Council Board Members, property owners, licensed arborists, landscape designers, and landscape contractors
Potential Cooperating Agencies and/or Programs:
Fire Safe Sonoma, Cal Fire, Sonoma Valley Fire District, Permit Sonoma, PG&E
Potential Funding Sources:
Individual donations, CalFire grants, PG&E grants
HIGH
Category:
Education & Outreach
Status:
ONGOING
Goal:
To educate and inform residents and property owners regarding the principles of
defensible space to minimize structural ignition and damage from wildfire. To create a culture of year-round implementation of defensible space strategies. To provide the knowledge property owners can use to control and mitigate wildfire risks from vegetation adjacent to structures.
●Conduct an ongoing, year-round education/awareness campaign via community workshops and presentations (live and/or virtual), website information, and newsletters to educate residents and property owners about defensible space fuel reduction.
● Conduct educational sessions to show specific examples of defensible space implementation using before-and-after case studies.
● Provide educational brochures, checklists, research articles, and other materials for residents to use as references while implementing defensible space strategies.
Anticipated Participants:
Grove Street Fire Safe Council Board Members, property owners, licensed arborists, landscape designers, and landscape contractors
Potential Cooperating Agencies and/or Programs:
Fire Safe Sonoma, Cal Fire, Sonoma Valley Fire District, Permit Sonoma, PG&E
Potential Funding Sources:
Individual donations, CalFire grants, PG&E grants
Development of Evacuation Procedures and Protocols
Priority:
HIGH
Category:
Evacuation
Status:
In progress - anticipated completion TBD
Goal:
To develop a comprehensive set of procedures, protocols, and guidelines (the
“Evacuation Plan”) for the safe, efficient, and orderly evacuation of the Council area in the event of a wildland fire incident. Grove Street Fire Safe Council, Inc. will collaborate with the following agencies and stakeholders to develop the Evacuation Plan:
● Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office
● Sonoma County Department of Emergency Management
● Sonoma County Department of Public Works
● Cal Fire
● Sonoma Valley Fire District
● Pacific Gas & Electric
● Adjoining landowners
The objective of the Evacuation Plan is to provide residents with practical evacuation guidelines they should follow before and during a wildfire incident. The Evacuation Plan must be developed in collaboration with the above-listed agencies and stakeholders to obtain their approval and authorization. It is anticipated that the Evacuation Plan will include, but not be limited to, consideration of the following topics:
● Sources of situational awareness.
● Evacuation alerts and notifications.
● Agency roles and functions regarding evacuations.
● Voluntary evacuation procedures and guidelines.
● Shelter in place guidelines.
● Evacuation routes and protocols for their use.
● Evacuation alternatives (Temporary Refuge Areas, Safety Zones).
Anticipated Participants:
Grove Street Fire Safe Council Board Members, Sonoma County Department of Emergency Management, Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office, Sonoma County Department of Public Works, PG&E, adjoining property owners.
Potential Cooperating Agencies and/or Programs:
American Red Cross, Safe Sonoma, Cal Fire, Sonoma Valley Fire District
Potential Funding Sources:
Individual donations, CalFire grants, PG&E grants
HIGH
Category:
Evacuation
Status:
In progress - anticipated completion TBD
Goal:
To develop a comprehensive set of procedures, protocols, and guidelines (the
“Evacuation Plan”) for the safe, efficient, and orderly evacuation of the Council area in the event of a wildland fire incident. Grove Street Fire Safe Council, Inc. will collaborate with the following agencies and stakeholders to develop the Evacuation Plan:
● Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office
● Sonoma County Department of Emergency Management
● Sonoma County Department of Public Works
● Cal Fire
● Sonoma Valley Fire District
● Pacific Gas & Electric
● Adjoining landowners
The objective of the Evacuation Plan is to provide residents with practical evacuation guidelines they should follow before and during a wildfire incident. The Evacuation Plan must be developed in collaboration with the above-listed agencies and stakeholders to obtain their approval and authorization. It is anticipated that the Evacuation Plan will include, but not be limited to, consideration of the following topics:
● Sources of situational awareness.
● Evacuation alerts and notifications.
● Agency roles and functions regarding evacuations.
● Voluntary evacuation procedures and guidelines.
● Shelter in place guidelines.
● Evacuation routes and protocols for their use.
● Evacuation alternatives (Temporary Refuge Areas, Safety Zones).
Anticipated Participants:
Grove Street Fire Safe Council Board Members, Sonoma County Department of Emergency Management, Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office, Sonoma County Department of Public Works, PG&E, adjoining property owners.
Potential Cooperating Agencies and/or Programs:
American Red Cross, Safe Sonoma, Cal Fire, Sonoma Valley Fire District
Potential Funding Sources:
Individual donations, CalFire grants, PG&E grants
County Alert Notifications Education
Priority:
HIGH
Category:
Education & Evacuation
Status:
ONGOING
Goal:
● Assist residents in understanding what alert systems are commonly in use and available to them, how to sign up and how to problem shoot.
● Enlist the help of the Department of Emergency Management in developing and producing a webinar (with community Q & A) on alert system use and the criteria for alert issuance.
● Identify and develop a way to reach and/or aid Council residents who:
* Do not get involved with community matters or read email information with any regularity.
* Are not conversant with technology and/or may live alone.
Anticipated Participants:
Department of Emergency Management, residents of the GSFSC area
Potential Cooperating Agencies and/or Programs:
George Ranch Community Association, Diamond ‘A’ Neighborhood Association, Sonoma Valley Fire Protection District, Sonoma County Sheriff’s Offices, and Fire Safe Sonoma.
Potential Funding Sources:
Community donations, public/private grants, residents volunteering their time
HIGH
Category:
Education & Evacuation
Status:
ONGOING
Goal:
● Assist residents in understanding what alert systems are commonly in use and available to them, how to sign up and how to problem shoot.
● Enlist the help of the Department of Emergency Management in developing and producing a webinar (with community Q & A) on alert system use and the criteria for alert issuance.
● Identify and develop a way to reach and/or aid Council residents who:
* Do not get involved with community matters or read email information with any regularity.
* Are not conversant with technology and/or may live alone.
Anticipated Participants:
Department of Emergency Management, residents of the GSFSC area
Potential Cooperating Agencies and/or Programs:
George Ranch Community Association, Diamond ‘A’ Neighborhood Association, Sonoma Valley Fire Protection District, Sonoma County Sheriff’s Offices, and Fire Safe Sonoma.
Potential Funding Sources:
Community donations, public/private grants, residents volunteering their time