DATE:
January 28, 2025
16
TO:
Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT
Title
PURCHASE OF A TWIN-ENGINE HELICOPTER, NEW WATER TENDERS, A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF FIRE SAFETY IN THE COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO, AND WAIVER OF BOARD POLICY A-72 (DISTRICTS: ALL)Title
Body
OVERVIEW
With an urgency underscored by the devastating fires in Los Angeles, today's action enhances fire preparedness and strengthens firefighting capabilities through a multi-faceted approach including:
* Expanding resources: Acquiring additional twin-engine helicopters and new water tenders, subject to funding availability.
* Evaluating vulnerabilities: Conducting thorough assessments of open spaces and regional water resources.
* Convening appropriate agencies and representatives: Return to the Board of Supervisors (Board) for a public presentation on overall wildfire preparedness.
We have seen historic fires throughout California and the western United States in recent years, including the recent fires that ravaged Los Angeles. We must push to prepare for the real risk of wildfire in San Diego, and there should be no greater priority than securing the major equipment firefighters need to fight fires and save lives and property in the San Diego region.
As we continue to learn from past fires in San Diego and the recent fires in Los Angeles, the urgency increases to take immediate, tangible action to make the region safer from devastating fires. While state and regional mutual aid are available, they often require time and approval to mobilize. Ensuring local fire departments are equipped with modern technology and equipment is essential to prevent small fires from escalating into large-scale emergencies.
Twin-engine firefighting helicopters that attacked fires both day and night, and mobile water tenders that filled from various sources and deployed to the front lines were crucial to containing the fires in Los Angeles. San Diego has an opportunity to better prepare and equip itself to reduce and pr...
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