In Wake of LA Fires, San Mateo County Supervisors Seek Lessons Learned, How to Boost Preparedness

Redwood City - Two San Mateo County supervisors during the Board of Supervisor's meeting today said the time is now to learn from the fires raging through Los Angeles and to examine ways to improve local preparedness.

"In San Mateo County, the lessons from devastating fires in Southern California weigh heavily on our hearts," said District 3 Supervisor Ray Mueller. "As we hear the concerns of elected officials and residents, especially in our rural unincorporated communities, it's clear: we must act now to strengthen our readiness for disasters of this scale. That's why I am urging the Board to create an ad hoc committee to study the lessons from Southern California and assess our preparedness.

"Our collective responsibility is to ensure that when disaster strikes, we are ready-not just to respond- but to safeguard our communities, lessen the impact, and emerge more resilient than before," Mueller said.

Supervisor Jackie Speierhas asked Cal Fire and other first responders to brief the Board on current levels of preparedness and ways to boost safety.

"I'm heartbroken by the loss of life and destruction in Southern California. Like our southern neighbors, we in San Mateo County are vulnerable to intensifying wildfires," Speier said. "We have many areas in in our county that are much like the Pacific Palisades area. Let's use this tragedy as a reminder that we can and must improve our readiness.

"I recommend a campaign countywide in which we work with local city councils to assist homeowners make their homes more fire safe and create defensible spaces around them," Speier said. "Some cities have already taken steps to assist their residents, but we need to make sure all cities and unincorporated areas are prepared."

Thousands of people live in or among San Mateo County's forests and open spaces and keeping those people safe through preparation and evacuation planning is critical.

As climate change warms the planet, emergency planners are refreshing preparation and response plans, concerned that vegetation once kept moist by summer fog could be fanned into infernos. Climate change could also bring new threats from lightning to northern forests.

Speier said emergency planners need to evaluate the entire response system, including ensuring an adequate supply of water even during tremendous demand and power outages.

"We also need to evaluate water pressure in our hydrants and investigate backup batteries for water pumps in case of power outages," Speier said.

The public is invited to a presentation on wildfire safety on Tuesday, Jan. 21, by the San Mateo County Department of Emergency Managementand Thrive Alliance. The Zoom presentation, from 4 to 4:45 p.m., will provide "concrete information you can use to increase your safety in the event of a fire." Join the free Zoom webinar.

"Given the tragic events occurring in Southern California, we support the Board's efforts to reevaluate emergency preparedness countywide," said Shruti Dhapodkar, the director of the Department of Emergency Management. "These events also provide a stark reminder for each individual to reexamine their own personal preparedness plans."

Fire departments across San Mateo County have sent more than 150 firefightersas well as engines and other fire-fighting equipment to assist the crews working around-the-clock in Los Angeles.

Media Contact

Supervisor Speier
Katrina Rill
(650) 380-1951

Supervisor Mueller
Cassandra Matter
(650) 421-6471