Fire Department Update
SAN MATEO CONSOLIDATED FIRE DEPARTMENT
We are your Fire Department!
JPA Formed in 2019
3 Board Members, 1 from each city
60%/20%/20% split on costs
Same number of stations pre-merge
Julia Mates is our current chair
At a Glance:
9 Stations
2 Ladder Trucks
10 Engines
1 Battalion Chief of Operations
Our Own Training Division
18 support staff
1 Deputy Fire Marshal
7 Inspectors
Specialized Response Capability
Incidents
2023 YTD
Runs
Total Runs to Date
7689
2022
Total Runs
15136
WILDFIRE IN 2023
6 WHAT ARE THINGS WE CAN DO TO HELP PREPARE THE COMMUNITY AGAINST WILDFIRE?
HOME HARDENING/DEFENSIBLE SPACE
Codes
SMC Section 4904.3 - Local Fire Severity zones created
SMC Section 4905.2 - Construction requirements for all new and existing structures within fire severity zones are established SMC Section 4907.1 - Defensible space is required for Moderate, High and Very High zones SMC has adopted and modified the 2021 International Wildland Urban Interface code Inspection Program/Enforcement
Inspection program beginning Summer 2023
Covers all local fire severity zones identified by our assessment from 2019 Penalties include fees and possible property liens if fees are not paid. 8 LOCAL AND STATE ASSESSMENT MAPS
9 HOME HARDENING
10 Cover all vents with 1/8 inch screening
Inspect vents periodically to ensure they are in good condition Keep gutters free of vegetation
Install non-combustible gutters and gutter covers to prevent debris build up Cover the chimney with a metal screen, no smaller than 3/8 inch and no larger than ½ inch Install metal flashing at the chimney-roof intersection
HOME HARDENING
Decks
Create an ember resistant zone under the footprint of and around all decks If a deck overhangs a slope, create and maintain a defensible space on the downslope side of the deck Garage
Ensure garage doors are sealed and closed before evacuation The space between the garage door and framing should be well sealed to prevent ember intrusion into the garage Fences
If you have a combustible fence, replace the 5 feet closest to the home with a non-combustible material Remove vegetative debris from around the base of fences
DEFENSIBLE SPACE ZONES
Zone 0: Ember Resistant Zone
Zone 1: Lean, Clean and Green Zone
Zone 2: Reduce Fuel Zone
Ordinance Changes
Presentation title
13 BELMONT WILDLAND/OPEN SPACE PROJECTS
Chipping Program in the Waterdog Lake/Hallmark neighborhoods Vegetation management work in Waterdog Park using CalFire inmate crews 14 THANK YOU
San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department
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