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San Mateo County Live Fuel Moisture: Mid April 2013

CAl FIRE has released April 2013 Live Fuel Moisture information for the San Mateo-Santa Cruz Ranger Unit.

April live fuel moisture for the Unit is posted online (click here) and summarized below:

Location

%

Hwy 35 & 92 - coyote brush

195

Pulgas - coyote brush

167

Saratoga Summit - chamise

128

new growth

168

old growth

88

Corralitos - manzanita

139

new growth

177

old growth

101

Moisture levels are at or near normal for this time of year.  Historically, levels peak in May or June at our sampling locations.  With the dry late winter and spring, expect to see levels begin dropping off a month or two early.  This may have occurred already with manzanita at Corralitos.  Grasses in the drier parts of the Unit are curing, especially in exposed areas and south aspects.

Learn more about Live Fuel Moisture and how it affects wildfire behavior here...

Fire Adapted Communities Program Opportunities

The National Fire Protection Association’s Fire Adapted Communities Program is currently seeking applications for two interesting opportunities.

1) Request for Proposals for the creation of a user-friendly Fire Adapted Communities guidebook for national audiences. 2) Request for Qualifications to provide additional outreach, information, and feedback on the continued development and implementation of NFPA’s Fire Adapted Communities program.

For more information, please see the complete work descriptions here. Contact NFPA’s Fire Adapted Communities Program directly with questions regarding these opportunities.

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CAL FIRE Forms FC-31 and FC-32 Available for Download by Project Sponsors

Fire Safe San Mateo partners with CAL FIRE and California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) to conduct fuel reduction and vegetation management projects in San Mateo County. With 17 members and a Fire Captain, Fire Crews are one of the most efficient resources available to create fuel breaks and conduct mechanical thinning of overgrown vegetation.

Project sponsors working with CAL FIRE crews in San Mateo County must have a form FC-31 (MOU) and FC-32 signed and on file with CAL FIRE.

The Sponsor shall submit project proposals on a form approved by CAL FIRE (currently an FC-32). By doing so, with reference to any such proposals subsequently approved by the CAL FIRE, Sponsor agrees to:

  • Pay for all costs directly related to and necessitated by such projects, except for wages, salaries, and other remuneration paid to CAL FIRE employees, inmates, or wards, and the cost of their support.
  • Demonstrate the availability of adequate plans and specifications, sufficient funds, materials, supplies, and equipment, adequate technical supervision and any special labor requirements to complete such projects.
  • Obtain the approvals, notification, and permits required by any state, federal, or local agency necessary to commence construction, fuels management, or operation of such projects.
  • Hold an orientation meeting with CAL FIRE at the commencement of such projects to explain the technical aspects, execution of, and need for such projects.

Download Forms FC-31 and FC-32 here...

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