2012 WFSAD Newsletters

It has been several months since our last post. We have been out in the field and very busy with this seasons vegetation management projects. The good news about our dry winter season is that it has allowed us to make great progress on all of our projects. As we approach the upcoming bird nesting season we are completing our last final touches before we break until August. You can expect more updates, as well as features from the past three months here shortly.

In the meantime, defensible space chipping is right around the corner. Each year we see more and more property owners take advantage of this very popular program. We hope the same holds true this year. In an effort to aid you in your planning efforts, the schedule for this years project is listed inside the front cover of the annual WFSAD newsletter.

The newsletter hit mailboxes last week. In addition to the chipping schedule you will find a lot of information regarding the programs and projects provided by the district. We have also expanded our educational material regarding defensible space and fire resistant landscaping. On the inside back cover, you will notice a defensible space checklist to help you monitor your own wildfire safety.

We hope you enjoy this years newsletter and we look forward to continuing the successful project offered to you. Everyday the residence of Santa Barbara are creating a more fire safe place to live and it all starts with you!

Road Clearance Is Well Underway

With over 2 miles complete, this years vegetation road clearance program is well underway. This year we are specifically targeting low, overhanging canopies and flammable vegetation such as juniper and cypress trees. If there is a road you feel needs attention, give us a call!

ANNUAL ROAD CLEARANCE STARTS MONDAY

The City of Santa Barbara's Fire Department will be implementing the High Fire Hazard Vegetation Road Clearance Project starting on September 12, 2011. The work will continue through mid-December, 2011.

This year 15.5 miles of roads in the Extreme Foothill and Foothill Zone of the high fire hazard area will be cleared through funds established by the Wildland Fire Suppression Assessment District.

The purpose of vegetation road clearance is to reduce the total amount of vegetation along roadways, enhance evacuation during a wildland fire and allow greater access for fire engines and equipment to respond during a wildfire.

It is very important to maintain and keep up the work that has been completed. Maintaining roadways is not only important for your safety but the safety of the community.

Since the Fire Department is not able to complete every mile of road in the high fire hazard area on an annual basis, the maintenance of the road clearance work is the responsibility of each property owner. Santa Barbara Municipal Code requires homeowners to make sure that vegetation on their property does not encroach onto adjacent roadways. This effort includes keeping evacuation routes clear of flammable vegetation and thinning vegetation along the roadways.

In years past we have been able to recycle 97% of the chipped material. If you have questions related to the project or have questions related to City property requirements you can call the Fire Department at 564-5700.