City Manager's Weekly Update
Week Ending February 8, 2019
Wildfires between 2017 and 2018, including the November ‘Camp Fire’ are now considered the most destructive wildfires in California’s history. In particular, the ‘Camp Fire’ burned an area the size of Chicago, killed 86 people, razed 14,000 homes, and caused nearly $7 billion in damages. While unfortunate, this is an important reminder that we must be vigilant and take precautions to protect our communities, properties, and loved ones.
Did you know that Cal-Fire is responsible for developing a Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) for Santa Mateo and Santa Cruz Counties? The 2018 Plan, which will be updated again by 2020, includes the City of Scotts Valley and identifies risks and hazards associated with wildland fires in the wildland urban interface (WUI) areas of San Mateo and Santa Cruz Counties. It also provides suggested actions to reduce the risk to people, property, and the environment. Over the next year, the City will work closely with local stakeholders to raise awareness about wildfire prevention and engage with Cal-Fire as part of the 2020 CWPP update process.