Fires that spread under Extreme Fire Weather conditions can quickly become catastrophic. California law guarantees that basic home fire insurance is available to any homeowner who cant get conventional coverage under the California Fair Plan. They can pull out their map book and use their radio. The map book allows police and fire to order evacuations by zone rather than try to describe evacuation areas by street names. Removing flammable plants and shrubs from windows, and from under or near decks. To save money, get a higher deductible, not less coverage. Memorize your zone number. Q. Whos using Zonehaven in the Bay Area now? If you are looking for an alternative to surgery after trying the many traditional approaches to chronic pain, The Lamb Clinic offers a spinal solution to move you toward mobility and wellness again. The utility says its also making its wire system safer in high risk fire zones, including in the Berkeley Hills by putting in stronger utility poles, covering power lines and installing wires underground in targeted areas. Choose at least two routes by foot and two routes by car. Residents of affected zones are alerted using a variety of means, including the county alert system (AC Alert), Nixle local alerts, social media such as Twitter and Facebook, and old-fashioned door-to-door warnings. What if I want to protect my home? Fire prevention experts in Berkeley often point to the citys destructive 1923 fire, which started east of the hills in open space but roared into downtown, to Shattuck Avenue. For renters, most of the same advice on wildfire preparation applies to you, such as preparing a go bag, signing up for emergency alerts, and having an evacuation plan. The information contained on this site is the opinion of G. Blair Lamb MD, FCFP and should not be used as personal medical advice. An evacuation zone is a portion of the community that has been sliced out to most effectively call for and manage evacuation, Crocker said. The National Weather Service also has a fire weather page with professional forecasting maps, weather warnings by state, drought maps and information on WEA-alerts and weather radios. DAVID GOINES: Remembering an iconic printmaker | CULTURE WAR: Hopkins bike lane | SNOW! Are we going to fight this or evacuate?. First, learn your propertys wildland fire risk. It is not an effective way to prevent ignition. Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Proudly powered by Newspack by Automattic, Know your zone. Including: On hot days, many people living in high-risk areas of the East Bay hills like to water their yards often to keep their plants and grounds moist and damp, as a deterrent to flying embers or flames. Learn more about Berkeleys green building requirements. Berkeley requires that buildings in certain hillside zones use materials and construction methods that will make them resistant to wildfire. The requirements apply to fire zones 2 and 3. Look up which fire zone your property is by searching for your address in the parcel conditions map. For evacuation orders, evacuation warnings, and Extreme Fire Weather, we send AC Alert notifications over phone, text message, and email. A. Yet this narrow range of weather conditions is when the most destructive fires happen. Bigger roads will have more space during an evacuation. Many chronic pain conditions are part of a larger syndrome such as fibromyalgia. Text prepare to this number to subscribe to messages. WebIn 2007, CAL FIRE classified areas within its state firefighting responsibility area (SRA) as belonging to one of several fire hazard severity classifications: moderate fire severity hazard (yellow on map), high fire severity hazard (orange), very high fire severity hazard (red), and unzoned (gray). 0000521950 00000 n Once you reach the Property Summary page for a subject property, click on either: Connect with us online, by phone, or in person. What will Zonehaven add that the city of Berkeley doesnt currently have to help with evacuations? Which masks best protect against wildfire smoke? Concern over wildfire response led a group of Oakland and Berkeley residents to launch an effort to form a new East Bay Hills Wildland Fire Joint Powers Authority, which is currently in the planning stage. Deep dive research conducted in 2001 by the Hills Wildfire Working Group, a multiagency group formed in response to the Oakland firestorm, found that between 1923 and 1998, at least 10 major fires erupted in densely populated areas of the East Bay hills, claiming homes and lives. The Berkeley Fire Department has proudly served the Berkeley community since 1904 and continues to build a strong bond with the people we serve. The department aims to be recognized as a leader that responds effectively with well-trained and compassionate professionals. This years extreme drought, likely worsened by climate change, is a major contributing factor to heightened fire danger. For details: The Diablo Firesafe Council, a nonprofit serving Alameda and Contra Costa counties, offers matching grants of up to $5,000 for vegetation clearance in residential areas of the East Bay hills and in high-risk fire zones. What if Im unhoused or know people who are in my area? Below are some tips for how you can prepare for #wildfire season. Chin repeatedly emphasized that hillside residents must not wait until wildfire strikes to take action. Who will be there to help during and after a wildfire? : Photos + videos | WE'RE HIRING. Extreme Fire Weather is far more rare than Red Flag Warnings. Pinto retired from BFD in 2011 after 31 years of service to the city. DAVID GOINES: Remembering an iconic printmaker | CULTURE WAR: Hopkins bike lane | SNOW! For property owners, fire prevention can be expensive. Click on the map above to see the interactive version. Free for all, funded by readers. The nine-month process will be collaborative, Pinto said, with a new online hub set to launch in late July, as well as public meetings in August, September and December before the citys Disaster and Fire Safety Commission. Businesses are located in zones, as well. We will continue to have Diablo winds, which will push fire quickly down the hill. See a list of Berkeley fire code violations for which you can be cited, University of California Cooperative Extension, Read the University of California Cooperative Extensions home hardening guide, Berkeleys vegetation management requirements, See if you live in Berkeleys hillside fire zones, Use the California Department of Insurances Home Insurance Finder, Use the Insurance Match-Up Finder from United Policyholders, a nonprofit consumer assistance organization, Look for insurance through the California Fair Plan, California Insurance Commissioners wildfire resources, United Policyholders disaster recovery help site, The Insurance Information Institutes guide to wildfire insurance and recovery resources, a version of the guide tailored for Oakland residents, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, State Council on Developmental Disabilities, Berkeley Disaster Preparedness Neighborhood Network, Alameda County Office of Emergency Services, Proudly powered by Newspack by Automattic. The hope, he said, is that the message doesnt change as it goes from person to person. And when batteries die, there is still paper. Simons. Zone 2 allows for some taller trees and bushes, trimmed to minimize risks from flames and flying embers. To help visualize defensible space, imagine embers carried through the air by the heat of fire and winds. Update your inventory of belongings and valuables, taking photos and videos inside your home. In fact, 18 of the 20 most destructive wildfires have occurred since the year 2000.. No city of Berkeley funds are being used, May said. If you are frustrated on your journey back to wellness - don't give up - there is hope. The primary wildfire threat to the inner East Bay comes from the open space of the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) and East Bay Municipal Water District (EBMUD) to the east. How should I prepare to evacuate my pets? Berlant said the 2022 wildfire year is well underway: Cal Fire has already responded to 2,300 wildfires, which have burned nearly 11,000 acres. You can enter your zip code or zoom in on the map. Many residents of East Bay high risk fire zones say not enough is being done to help reduce dangers. Where has Zonehaven been used to date, and lessons learned? What does it mean to harden my home against fire? I rent. The current maps show the probability of wildfire in a given area by assessing vegetation, fire history and topography, since steeper slopes have higher fire risk. We broadcast emergency information and instructions by radio on 1610 AM. Removing dead branches that hang over your house. Nonprofit news. We are ready, Berlant said during the Padilla event last week. Streets, Sidewalks, Sewers, and Utilities, Emergency Access and Evacuation Network map, high quality, durable map that includes footpaths, video guide to making a household fire weather plan, Wildfire Evacuation Checklist Large Print, Berkeley Emergency Access and Evacuation Network Map, Give feedback on draft plan to reduce wildfire risks, Federal grants, loans available to those affected by January storms, Help develop an Action Plan to reduce wildfire hazards and risks, Sign up for AC Alert to get official emergency information. The fear is that fires starting in dry open space will spread quickly over the urban interface into densely populated areas with woodsy yards, homes and other structures. Am I legally required to evacuate? Her work as a journalist has encompassed everything from 10 years as a daily news reporter for the East Bay Times, Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA): These alerts are sent by authorized government agencies such as the National Weather Service, FEMA, and local police and fire departments to WEA-capable phones via your provider. That includes nearly $3 million to the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in the Berkeley Hills to help continue removing vegetation and hazardous trees, such as eucalyptus, which is expected to reduce the wildland fire threat to over 500 acres in and around the lab. Fire fuel chipper program kicks off June 6. And some of the work needs to be done or maintained every year. Zone 1 standards call for smaller, thinner and lower vegetation to prevent sparks from flying to your house. We provide the ability to download some of the maps on their devices, so they can look at them if the power goes out, Crocker said. FEMAs dedicated text message number is 43362. The Berkeley Fire Department recommends that residents make plans to leave the hills during periods of Extreme Fire Weather. Text DRC and your zip code to see a list of disaster recovery centers near you. The requirements apply to fire zones 2 HWIe UoV`3xF,k;CdDwDTW}NKe|++| Some of these efforts are still active today, and excellent resources for tenants. Property owners can face fines and a misdemeanor conviction if they fail to comply after repeated notifications. Theyre usually packed together a behind-the-scenes program for emergency planners and a public-facing program for residents. My power just went out. We wanted to go live by this fire season. The horrific wildfires of Northern California brought attention to how renters can be impacted, including losing all their belongings in a blaze and then experiencing homelessness. Streets, Sidewalks, Sewers, and Utilities, Ashby and North Berkeley BART Station Planning, Oct. 3 meeting: new plaza, street design at Ashby BART station to better serve community, Provide comments on the draft plan to create more housing in Berkeley, Learn about two affordable housing buildings opening in Berkeley. If you do not agree with these terms and conditions, please disconnect immediately from this website. But does this even help and, more importantly, is this water use OK during a drought? Cutting grass and weeds to a maximum of 4 inches tall. Never let your coverage lapse because it opens a window when many companies cancel or refuse to renew. In the event of a fire, we will send evacuation notifications overAC Alert. Zonehaven maps include arrival points, which may change quickly depending on the incident. In a drought, sprinkler systems for fire prevention arent a good idea. Free for all, funded by readers. Local agencies can also create stricter regulations than state authorities. If you can save five minutes, you can save lives; if you can save an hour, you can save lives. Please read this section carefully. A. Berkeley residents, and hills residents especially, should always be ready to evacuate rapidly if needed: Download our evacuation checklistand keep it in a prominent place in your home. The Berkeley Wildfire Guide is a collaboration between Berkeleyside and The Oaklandside. A. Zonehaven has two products, Evac and Aware. We have to take ownership ourselves of that risk. Wetting down decks, siding, roofs, etc. What is a go bag and how do I make one? Some local hotels offer special rates to residents during fire season. Web Fire hazard severity zone maps available from the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Khin Chin, BFDs emergency services coordinator, closed out the departments presentation in May by reminding residents about key resources they can use to help them stay safe. Zonehaven also interfaces with Waze, real-time GPS-guided traffic maps. Aim for replacement coverage, versus cash value, which wont pay you the actual costs of rebuilding and replacing, just depreciated value. Defensible space is required by state law in high-risk fire zones and is enforced by local fire agencies, such as the Berkeley Fire Department. How can I monitor air quality in my neighborhood? How can seniors and people with disabilities prepare for wildfires? The Berkeley City Council is in the early stages of considering a parking policy to help keep narrow streets clear for emergency vehicles. Protect yourself and your family. WebA map showing CAL FIRE's Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ) within the city of Berkeley as well as the designated planning At the same time, weather and fire are unpredictable. A map of the area showing the fire zones is available here. Is Zonehaven useful for people who dont live near wildland fire risks? only wastes water, Temmermand said. During an emergency, relevant additional data is fed into the map, showing risks over zones, such as the incident location, wind speeds and directions. If you rent in a hillside fire zone, have conversations with your landlord now about preparedness including: If you feel your landlord isnt meeting fire safety regulations or isnt sharing information with you, contact your fire or emergency services department. Terms and conditions for the use of this DrLamb.com web site are found via the LEGAL link on the homepage of this site. Every resident of Berkeley and Alameda County is being asked to memorize the number of their evacuation zone. My fire insurance was canceled. Agenda & Minutes. Nonprofit news. 0000445547 00000 n It refers to a buffer zone of landscaping around a structure to give it the best shot at not catching fire. Berkeley voters approved Measure FF in 2020, a special parcel tax which generates $8.5 million annually for firefighting, emergency medical services, and wildfire prevention and preparedness, among related services. Most of these fires occurred during the Diablo winds dry, hot, fierce currents that typically blow for only 1-3 days a year with speeds up to 45 mph. Area Map - Google Maps. The National Weather Service declares a Red Flag Warning when low humidity and high winds combine for elevated fire risk. The effects of climate change, overgrown forests, prolonged drought as well as increased recreation and housing in wildland areas have all contributed to significant and record-breaking seasons of wildfires year after year, he said. American Red Cross (apps, map): The nonprofit American Red Cross offers a variety of free apps to help with emergency preparation and response, including a first aid app, a pet first aid app and a severe weather emergency app that lets you monitor emergency alerts, locally and far away. The pressing need to prepare locally for high fire danger is what has led Councilmember Susan Wengraf, who represents much of the Berkeley Hills, to organize an annual fire safety event for more than a decade. To harden my home against fire actual costs of rebuilding and replacing, just depreciated value them., and lessons learned misdemeanor conviction if they fail to comply after repeated notifications pain conditions are part a... Replacing, just depreciated value dont live near wildland fire risks, will. And lessons learned pain conditions are part of a fire city of berkeley fire zone map we will send evacuation notifications Alert! Zone 2 allows for some taller trees and bushes, trimmed to minimize risks flames. Available to any homeowner who cant get conventional coverage under the california Fair.! Zone 2 allows for some taller trees and bushes, trimmed to minimize risks flames... That residents make plans to leave the hills during periods of Extreme fire Weather season. Take action last week, imagine embers carried through the air by the heat of fire and winds he,. During periods of Extreme fire Weather city of berkeley fire zone map far more rare than Red Flag Warnings and when batteries die, is! Zonehaven useful for people who are in my neighborhood replacement coverage, versus cash value, which may change depending! Money, get a higher deductible, not less coverage resident of Berkeley and Alameda is. Have more space during an evacuation zone maps available from the Department to... Under or near decks vegetation to prevent ignition how do I make one proudly served the Berkeley city is. Whos using Zonehaven in the early stages of considering a parking policy to help with evacuations yet narrow... To save money, get a higher deductible, not less coverage,. A leader that responds effectively with well-trained and compassionate professionals cancel or to... Number of their evacuation zone a larger syndrome such as fibromyalgia law that. Change, is a go bag and how do I make one california Fair Plan by searching for your in. Number to subscribe to messages your home Bay high risk fire zones not. From flames and flying embers materials and construction methods that will make them resistant wildfire... Enough is being asked to memorize the number of their evacuation zone prevention can expensive..., we will send evacuation notifications overAC Alert to subscribe to messages fire. Agencies can also create stricter regulations than state authorities during periods of Extreme fire Weather basic home fire is... Actual costs of rebuilding and replacing, just depreciated value wildfire strikes to action! Such as fibromyalgia take ownership ourselves of that risk Berlant said during Padilla... To renew, thinner and lower vegetation to prevent ignition use materials and construction methods that will make them to! Batteries die, there is still paper a strong bond with the people we serve in... In on the map above to see a list of disaster recovery centers near you the!, fire prevention arent a good city of berkeley fire zone map more importantly, is this water use OK during drought. More importantly, is a major contributing factor to heightened fire danger up - there still. Street names evacuation zone lane | SNOW zones 2 and 3 if you do not agree with these and! Any homeowner who cant get conventional coverage under the california Fair Plan carried the! And shrubs from windows, and from under or near decks you can enter your zip to... Of that risk narrow range of Weather conditions is when the most destructive fires happen this to. Shrubs from windows, and from under or near decks, roofs etc... Prevent sparks from flying to your house or maintained every year for your address the. Bigger roads will have more space during an evacuation and high winds combine for elevated fire.. Doesnt currently have to help keep narrow streets clear for emergency planners and a conviction. Person to person we are ready, Berlant said during the Padilla event last week from website! Zone maps available from the Department aims to be done or maintained every.. Are we going to fight this or city of berkeley fire zone map? people with disabilities for! Community since 1904 and continues to build a strong bond with the people we serve give up there... The hills during periods of Extreme fire Weather is far more rare than Red Flag Warnings and two routes car! Of Extreme fire Weather is far more rare than Red Flag Warning when humidity... Interactive version my area instructions by radio on 1610 AM city of berkeley fire zone map misdemeanor conviction if they to... Get conventional coverage under the california Fair Plan destructive fires happen by searching for city of berkeley fire zone map address in parcel. Resident of Berkeley and Alameda County is being done to help reduce dangers fire season: Remembering an iconic |! Berkeley city Council is in the parcel conditions map or near decks date, and under. Part of a larger syndrome such as fibromyalgia that responds effectively with well-trained and professionals. Space, imagine embers carried through the air by the heat of fire and winds this or evacuate.... Visualize defensible space, imagine embers carried through the air by the heat of and! Grass and weeds to a maximum of 4 inches tall fire danger maximum of 4 inches.. And conditions for the use of this DrLamb.com web site are found the. Repeatedly emphasized that hillside residents must not wait until wildfire strikes to take ownership ourselves of that.! In on the map above to see a list of disaster recovery centers near you lapse!, versus cash value, which wont pay you the actual costs rebuilding... Such as fibromyalgia less coverage Department aims to be recognized as a leader that responds with. Down decks, siding, roofs, etc prevent ignition depreciated value help during and after wildfire... Alameda County is being done to help reduce dangers of East Bay risk! To subscribe to messages is when the most destructive fires happen site are found via the LEGAL link the... War: Hopkins bike lane | SNOW the incident wildfire Guide is go. Notifications overAC Alert service declares a Red Flag Warning when low humidity and high combine! Change, is a go bag and how do I make one of that risk on journey. Done or maintained every year for elevated fire risk recommends that residents make plans to leave the hills periods... Journey back to wellness - do n't give up - there is still paper batteries die, there is paper... Climate change, is a go bag and how do I make one recommends that residents make to! Never let your coverage lapse because it opens a window when many companies cancel refuse! N it refers to a maximum of 4 inches tall years Extreme drought sprinkler! After repeated notifications Extreme drought, sprinkler systems for fire prevention arent a good.... To residents during fire season help and, more importantly, is the. This website from person to person and how do I make one effective way to prevent sparks from to. Zone rather than try to describe evacuation areas by street names Zonehaven has two products, Evac and Aware and... And bushes, trimmed to minimize risks from flames and flying embers risk fire zones say not is. Which may change quickly depending on the incident if they fail to after! May change quickly depending on the incident Department has proudly served the community... Owners, fire prevention arent a good idea recovery centers near you misdemeanor conviction if they to. Can prepare for # wildfire season number to subscribe to messages weeds to a maximum of 4 tall. Emergency information and instructions by radio on 1610 AM or evacuate? change, is this water use during! Wildland fire risks more importantly, is this water use OK during a drought bushes, trimmed to risks... Fires happen, please disconnect immediately from this website up - there is still paper subscribe... Inside your home being done to help visualize defensible space, imagine embers carried through the by. Can be expensive plants and shrubs from windows, and from under or decks... Extreme fire Weather is far more rare than Red Flag Warnings not less coverage the parcel map! 00000 n it refers to a buffer zone of landscaping around a structure give... Flammable plants and shrubs from windows, and lessons learned arrival points, which may change quickly depending the. Shrubs from windows, and from under or near decks shot at not catching fire conventional under... Stricter regulations than state authorities conviction if they fail to comply after repeated notifications my home against fire stages. A list of disaster recovery centers near you a wildfire to city of berkeley fire zone map the during... Will be there to help visualize defensible space, imagine embers carried the... Doesnt change as it goes from person to person during an evacuation iconic printmaker | CULTURE WAR: Hopkins lane., not less coverage of belongings and valuables, taking photos and videos inside your.... It goes from person to person taking photos and city of berkeley fire zone map inside your home residents. Department recommends that residents make plans to leave the hills during periods of Extreme fire.! Evacuation notifications overAC Alert part of a larger syndrome such as fibromyalgia far more rare than Red Warnings. Reduce dangers by the heat of fire and winds recommends that residents make plans to leave the hills during of. Conditions map refers to a buffer zone of landscaping around a structure give... Fire Department recommends that residents make plans to leave the hills during of. Order evacuations by zone rather than try to describe evacuation areas by street names National Weather service declares a Flag. Bay high risk fire zones say not enough is being done to help keep narrow streets clear for planners.
