Newsletter

Helpful Resources for Managing Wildfire Risks

California’s wildfire risk remains extremely high, presenting unique challenges for public agencies throughout the state. To protect life safety and minimize property losses, California JPIA members must understand their specific risks and take proactive measures. The Authority offers various resources and professional services to assist members in managing this risk.

The California JPIA’s Wildfire Risk Management White Paper is the primary resource for understanding and managing wildfire and post-wildfire-related risks. It is a comprehensive guide offering specific actions that a public agency can take to protect life, manage liability, and reduce property losses. The paper discusses overall wildfire risks, coordinating regional emergency resources, communicating with the public, establishing emergency procedures, and understanding the effects wildfire smoke has on employees.

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This resource also provides specific guidance and helpful checklists to assist members in their loss prevention efforts. These include reducing fuels through effective vegetation management practices, using the right types of plants and hardscape materials, and maintaining the required defensible space around properties. Additional guidance is offered on maintaining heating and ventilation systems to reduce contamination during a fire.

The California JPIA also partners with Fireline Defense, LLC, to provide professional experts with on-site wildfire risk assessments at no direct cost to our members. These assessments have located wildfire exposures and paved the way for targeted mitigation measures. Fireline Defense was established in 2020 by former CAL FIRE firefighters. Within their professional property assessments, they identify specific wildfire hazards and calculate a custom Fireline Defense Index (FDI) score. This score ranges from one to ten, with a lower score indicating high risk and a higher score indicating comparatively lower wildfire risk. Each assessment is accompanied by a specific series of recommendations for risk reduction.

Finally, the Authority offers a series of online, in-person, and tailgate training courses related to emergency preparedness, fire safety, and wildfire smoke, which poses significant health hazards for employees working outdoors or in poorly ventilated environments. Visit myJPIA for more information.

By taking proactive measures and staying informed, California JPIA members can safeguard their communities, protect properties, and ensure the health and safety of their residents and employees.

Additional Resources:

California JPIA’s Wildfire Risk Management White Paper: In-depth analysis of wildfire-related risks

Cal OSHA’s Regulation for Protecting Workers from Wildfire Smoke: CCR Title 8, Section 5141.1

California Office of Emergency Services Wildfire Recovery Resources: State-wide wildfire resources

Cal FIRE’s Defensible Space Guidelines: Detailed information on managing your defensible space

Cal FIRE’s Wildfire Resources: Wildfire resources

OSHA’s Wildfire Resources: Wildfire emergency planning resources

Cal FIRE’s Active Incidents: Up-to-date information on all statewide active incidents

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