Report by: Soheila Bana, President, West Contra Costa Fire Safe Council (WCCFSC)
Introduction
The tour of wildfire safety concern areas in Richmond was organized by EBRPD Assistant Fire Chief Khari Helae for Angel Montoya, Richmond Fire Chief and WCCFSC Agency Liaison, and Soheila Bana, WCCFSC President.
Original Itinerary
- The original itinerary was for 3 hours to cover the following areas:
- Miller Knox Regional Shoreline: Fuels Management Program
- Brickyard Cove: View work in progress/Tree mortality
- Wildcat Canyon Regional Park: Eucalyptus thinning/Goat grazing/Tree mortality
- Sobrante Ridge Regional Preserve: Tree mortality
Due to time constraints, the Brickyard Cove area was skipped, and the following area was added per WCCFSC request:
EBRPD’s Landbank Area Near Tri Lane: Tree mortality
The tour started at 1:30 pm at Miller Knox and ended around 5 pm at San Pablo Dam Rd. Below is a summary of the tour.
Miller Knox Regional Shoreline (Fuels Management Program)
Chief Theile and Assistant Fire Chief provided an overview of the EBRPD fuel reduction program and CEQA requirements for FEMA grants. Captain Patrick McEntyre and Fuel Reduction Coordinator Collin Gallagher discussed their work.
Measures Included:
- Removal of French Broom plants and eucalyptus trees
- Use of goats for weed abatement on steep slopes
Wildcat Canyon Regional Park (Eucalyptus Thinning/Goat Grazing/Tree Mortality)
At the Alvarado Staging Area, Patrick explained their efforts to replace eucalyptus trees with native Bay and Oak trees.
Key Actions:
- Budget allocations for vegetation management
- Hiring specialized contractors for wildfire safety improvements
Sobrante Ridge Regional Preserve (Tree Mortality)
Melissa, a local WCCFSC board member, facilitated access to the site. EBRPD plans treatment before the 2023 fire season.
Discussion Highlights:
- Collaboration between EBRPD and the City of Richmond for CEQA requirements in nearby areas
EBRPD’s Landbank Area Near Tri Lane (Tree Mortality)
This area was added to the tour following input from a local resident. It is currently neglected, with many dead and dying trees. The area may become a future park with a tunnel connection under San Pablo Dam Rd. Treatment was requested for this area.
Additional Observations and Recommendations
Vegetation Management: Large logs left on-site are acceptable, but flammable vegetation should be removed.
Coordination Between Divisions: Fuel management and park operations teams need improved communication.
Fire Danger Signs: Adding “Fire Danger Today” signs at park entrances was suggested.
Park Closures During Red Flag Days: Park closures involve legal and community considerations and are decided based on multiple factors.
Key Takeaways
EBRPD Fire Resources: The Alvarado Park fire station has a helicopter available to support local fire departments.
Community Engagement: A Zoom community gathering with Chief Helae was proposed to discuss progress on treatments.