DATE:
June 3, 2025
14
TO:
Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT
Title
RECEIVE PRESENTATION ON REGIONAL FIRE PREPAREDNESS (DISTRICTS: ALL)
Body
OVERVIEW
In January 2025, Los Angeles County was severely impacted by several wildfires that caused catastrophic damage to residents in the Altadena and Pacific Palisades communities. In total, the wildfires destroyed over 15,000 homes and businesses, burned 37,000 acres, resulted in at least 29 deaths, forced 100,000 people to evacuate, and caused tens of billions of dollars in property damages. On January 28, 2025 (16, 17), the Board of Supervisors (Board) took several actions to bolster wildfire preparedness, response, and educational efforts in our region and to conduct a comprehensive review of the County's clearing and brush management efforts. The Board directed the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to purchase a twin-engine helicopter for San Diego County Fire to staff and conduct night-time water drops on wildland fires in our region for around-the-clock wildfire response and evaluate the need for additional water tenders. In addition, the Board directed the CAO to return within 180 days with a presentation on overall wildfire preparedness, including vegetation management, water supply and infrastructure, residential insurance, recovery, public education, and emergency response coordination.
Today's action includes the Board receiving a presentation regarding fire preparedness efforts, partnerships with other agencies in the region, and updates on efforts being taken by San Diego Gas & Electric, San Diego County Water Authority, and the California Insurance Commissioner's Office.
RECOMMENDATION(S)
CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
Receive a presentation on wildfire preparedness, response and resiliency, water supply and infrastructure, and residential insurance availability in San Diego County.
EQUITY IMPACT STATEMENT
Fire preparedness and prevention help to mitigate wildland fires that frequently start in ru...
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