Center Boulevard Evacuation Clearance Project
What is Evacuation Clearance?
• Removal of hazardous species,
such as palms, cypress, juniper and
bamboo
• Removal of trees under 9 inch
diameter breast height (DBH)
• Removal of ladder fuels
• Thinning of remaining vegetation
Evacuation Clearance is NOT clear
cutting the roadways so there is NO
vegetation left. The goal of these projects
is to lighten the fuel load and create a
safer environment.
Evacuation Clearance includes, as a baseline:
Why are we doing this project?
• Increase survivability for evacuating residents
• Reducing fire intensity along the roadway
• Improving the likelihood that the road remains passable • Protecting emergency responders
• Improving visibility
• Reducing the potential for fire to spread across the roadway • Creating a more resilient evacuation network
Simulated Before and After Photos
Before
After
Simulated Fire Situations
Before
After
Project Specifics
• Removing vegetation 10 feet off the edge of the roadway • Raising tree canopies a minimum of 15 feet above roadways • Removal of dead and dying vegetation (including trees) • Removal of trees less than 9 inches in diameter (measured 4.5 feet off the ground)
• Removing hazardous species including, i.e. bamboo, palm, juniper and cypress
• Removal of ivy and other climbing plants
• Removal of ladder fuels
Examples of Work -Lad d e r Fue ls
Live or dead vegetation that would let a ground level fire climb from the ground up into taller trees or the upper parts of a structure or residence
Examples of Work -Hazard ous Ve ge t at ion
These plants typically share characteristics that may make them ignite readily and burn intensely.
It alian Cyp re ss
Bamboo
Examples of Work - “Lim b Up ”
Raising the lower branches of a tree to create spacing between lower vegetation and the tree canopy.
How limbing up should look
After
Before
FAQ’s
What will you be doing near my property?
Can I opt out?
No. There is no opt out option of this project as
the scope of work is required by the California
Wildland Urban Interface Code. However, there
is an option to discuss a modification to full
removal plan. If you feel this would apply to your
property please contact WPC Marcucci at
[email protected]
For property specific questions please schedule
a site visit with WPC Marcucci by emailing
[email protected]
Please schedule a site visit before October 26
How will this impact traffic?
We are expecting impacts to traffic for certain
tree and vegetation removals. In an effort to
minimize the impact we will attempt to work
in-between the common commute hours and
redirect traffic to Sir Francis Drake or side
streets. Where a lane closure is necessary
signage will be posted in advance.
What can I do to replace the
vegetation?
You can plant new fire-smart screening on
your “property” side of the fence. Or you can
replace your fence with a more “soundproofing” option. I would refer residents to contact the Fairfax DPW department for more
information on fencing. Vegetation cannot be
replanted along the roadway.
FAQ’s
Have more questions about the project?
Email: [email protected]
Call: 415-258-4686 ext.16
Visit rossvalleyfire.org to view our extensive FAQ page