HomeMy WebLinkAbout08 T.R. FIREBREAK IMP 09-19-94AGENDA
NO. 8
9-19-94
Inter-Corn '
DATE:
SEPTEMBER 19, 1994
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
WILLIAM A. HUSTON, CITY M~kNAGER
COM/fONITY DEVELOPI~ENT DEPARTMENT
TUMTIN RA-NCH FIREBREAK IMPROVEMENTS
RECOMMENDATION
Receive and file.
BACKGROD-ND
Following the disastrous wildfires last fall, the City Council
directed staff to evaluate the existing conditions at our
wildland/urban interface areas. Staff was directed to provide
recommendations for' enhancing or providing fire breaks at any
interface areas within our City. Staff, in conjunction with Orange
County Fire Department personnel, reviewed existing conditions
within the city and determined that the hillside district within
Tustin Ranch required improvement of the fire break separating
existing residential properties in North Tustin from the
undeveloped hillside district in Tustin Ranch. The area which
required improvement extends along the City/County boundary from
Peters Canyon Park to the current terminus of Township Drive.
The authority to require firebreaks is derived from Uniform Fire
Code Appendix IIA and enforced by Orange County Fire Department.
The hillside district contains delicate plant and animal species
(i.e. gnatcatchers and coastal sage scrub).
In order to accogpt~gh these firebreak improvements, a series of
office and site meetings were scheduled during the spring and early
summer months. Community Development Department staff coordinated
these meetings with representatives of Orange County Fire
Department, The Ir-vine Company, California Department of Fish and
Game and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. The four
governmental agencies and the property owner worked together in a
cooperative and responsive manner. Environmental, fire safety and
property issues were reviewed and discussed which lead to approval
by all parties with regards to the scope of work required and the
timing of the work. The physical improvement work was scheduled
for completion during the month of August. This timing allowed for
the completion of the nesting season for birdlife in the area and
City Council Report
Tustin Ranch Firebreak Improvements
September 19, 1994
Page 2
for completion of the improvements prior to the onset of fire
season which typically starts in early September.
CONCLUSION
Fire break improvements have been completed in accordance with
Uniform Fire Code Appendix IIA along the wildland/urban interface
line as described in this report. All costs associated with this
improvement were borne by the property owner, The Irvine Company.
This firebreak will provide the fire department with a defensible
space which will aide in containment and control of a wildfire in
this area. This improvement should not be considered an effective
barrier under all fire conditions. The break is 100' wide which is
the maximum allowed by Uniform Fire Code Appendix IIA. High wind
conditions could carry embers and burning material across the fire
break line.
Continued dilligence with regards to fire safety in the subject
area will remain a high priority for the community.
Rick Brown
Building Official
Christine A. ~ing eton
Assistant City Manager
P~B: CAS :kbm\tr firebr
Attachment
August 30, 1994
Mr. Rick Brown, Building Official
City of Tustin
300 Centennial Way
Tustin, California 92680
LARRY J. HOLMS
DIR£ .CTOR O¢ F file SI RVICES
Dear Mr. Brown:
SUBJECT: Irvine Company Fuel Break Along the Tustin and County Area
The fuel break along the Tustin and County area of Cowan Heights has been completed.
The work performed by Arbor Care for The lrvine Company meets the requirements of
Uniform Fire Code Appendix II-A 16, Clearance of Brush or Vegetative Growth from
Structures.
The work performed was completed in a professional manner. There was a considerable
clearing achieved, however the appearance of the area remains Very natural. This project
was reeiewed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the California Department of Fish
and Game for impact on endangered species habitat. The work performed did not involve
any habitat vegetation and was performed during a time period when the impact on
nesting of endangered wildlife would not occur.
The Orange County Fire Department recommends to the City of Tustin that it accept the
project as completed. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at
(714) 744-0498.
Respectfully,
Senior Fire Safety Specialist/Wildland Management
Concurrence: Rick Brown
City of Tustin Building Official
Date
RESIDENTIAL SPRINKLERS AND SMOKE DETECTORS SAVE LIVES