TO: Board of Supervisors
FROM: David Morrison, Interim County Executive Officer
REPORT BY: Leah Doyle-Stevens, Staff Aide - Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT: Presentation of a Proclamation designating May as Wildfire Awareness Month
RECOMMENDATION
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Presentation of a proclamation to be received by Fire Chief Mike Marcucci, Chief Brian Ham, Battalion Chief JC Greenberg and Napa Communities Firewise Foundation Chair Christopher Thompson, recognizing May 2023 as “Wildfire Awareness Month” in Napa County.
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Here in Napa County, we have learned firsthand that that firefighting alone cannot protect us completely. Every resident and property owner, especially those of high fire-risk areas, have an important role to play in preventing the loss of life and property in the event of wildfire. This month, we must all do our part to raise public awareness of the fire season that is already upon us, and take the necessary steps to protect lives, homes, families and property in the event of a wildfire.
In conjunction with Wildfire Awareness Month, the Napa County Office of Emergency Services, County Executive Office, Napa County Fire Department, CAL FIRE and Napa Communities Firewise Foundation, have intensified their continuing efforts to educate residents and property owners on the steps they should be taking to prepare for wildfire. This life (and property) saving information can be found at ReadyNapaCounty.org and Fire.Ca.gov/prepare.
FISCAL & STRATEGIC PLAN IMPACT
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Is there a Fiscal Impact? |
No |
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County Strategic Plan pillar addressed: |
Vibrant and Sustainable Environment |
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ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: The proposed action is not a project as defined by 14 California Code of Regulations 15378 (State CEQA Guidelines) and therefore CEQA is not applicable.
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
Over the last five years, California has experienced seven of the deadliest wildfires, twelve of the largest wildfires, and thirteen of the most destructive wildfires in state history. Over 5.5 million acres have burned, more than 37,000 structures have been destroyed, and tragically, more than 160 lives have been lost.
Wildfires are a natural, periodic occurrence in California. Many native species depend on cyclical fires for survival. To continue to enjoy the economic and recreational benefits of our rural and wilderness lands, we must strive to achieve a balance between California’s fire ecology and the need to protect human life and property.