SMC Reviews Preparedness Amid Devastating CA Wildfires

REDWOOD CITY, CA — As two of California's most damaging wildfires continue to burn in Los Angeles County, leaders in San Mateo County are looking at ways to improve local preparedness, particularly for the thousands living in more rural communities near forests and open spaces.

At a Tuesday meeting, supervisors Ray Mueller and Jackie Speier pitched the Board on a few steps that can be taken in the coming weeks and months.

"As we hear the concerns of elected officials and residents, especially in our rural unincorporated communities, it's clear: we must act now to strengthen our readiness for disasters of this scale," Mueller said. "That's why I'm urging the Board to create an ad hoc committee to study the lessons from Southern California and assess our preparedness."

Supervisor Speier asked Cal Fire and local agencies to assemble briefings on the county's current preparedness levels and explore areas of improvement and ways to protect more homes from potential wildfires.

"We have many areas in our county that are much like the Pacific Palisades area," Speier said. "I recommend a campaign countywide in which we work with local city councils to assist homeowners [in making] their homes more fire safe and create defensible spaces around them."

Speier recommended emergency planners evaluate the county's fire response systems, including ways to ensure adequate water supply and pressure amid high demand and power outages.

Representatives from the San Mateo County Department of Emergency Management and Thrive Alliance will host a webinar later this month to share information about developing personal preparedness plans and creating defensible space.