Urban-Interface Considerations

GENERAL PLAN Hwy 152 between Hwy 156 & Merced County has more of an intermix CONSIDERATIONS BRIEFING CHECKLIST Community Description presentation. Homes are separated by great distances with single lane dirt SITUATION The Hwy 152 / Pre-Attack Plan is designed to manage a wildfire that starts on a “normal” day Command Considerations roads and vegetation between them. Most homes are constructed of non-  Fire name, location, map orientation, other incidents in the area during fire season, and rapidly overwhelms initial attack resources. Life safety, property preservation, and Hwy 152 Area is mostly SRA (State Responsibility Area) protected by Cal Fire resources. fire resistive materials on top of ridges, above chimneys and saddles with

 Terrain influences (alignment of slope & winds) keeping fires out of Henry Coe Park are top priorities. The IC must proactively plan for the spread of the fire by some scattered in the lower valley floors. The early designation and use of incident facilities such as Staging Areas, and early evacuation is critical due to  Fuel type and conditions ordering additional resources matching the life safety and property conservation potential. This Plan provides the the limited road network servicing the area. The roads will quickly become congested if an effective traffic control  Fire weather (previous, current, and expected) winds, RH, temp IC with a planning tool, which will increase fire suppression efficiency and both firefighter and civilian safety. Through aggressive LE-100 inspections and enforcement most homes are plan is not established by cooperating law enforcement agencies and public works departments. Turn arounds defensible space compliant. Access and egress are limited due to unpaved  Fire behavior (previous, current, and expected) time of day and breaks in the K-Rail are limited along the Hwy 152 Corridor. (See Map for details) Fire history, fuels, topography and approximate location to Henry Coe Park indicate the potential for a large and single lane roads and long driveways. Most properties were designed with MISSION / EXECUTION damaging fire in the South Santa Clara County Area. This plan addresses the Hwy 152 Pacheco Pass Corridor the use of farm equipment in mind so turn arounds are readily available.  Command (who is Incident Commander / immediate supervisor) between the Hwy 156 junction and the Merced County line. Pacheco Pass is a major thoroughfare for people and commercial industry getting to the Bay Area from the central valley. It mainly consists of sparsely populated  Leader's intent (overall objectives / strategy) MANAGEMENT CYCLE The area is utilized heavily for cattle grazing so many areas have good fuel  Specific tactical assignments rural ranch properties and a few small commercial businesses. It is the southern gateway to Henry Coe Park (one breaks and little vegetation. However, areas of dense vegetation capable of PLAN  Contingency plan of ’s largest State Parks).  Establish priorities: A priority is based on a predetermined assignment of value carrying and increasing fire intensity are present. or importance as it relates to current events . COMMUNICATIONS Stopping fires before they reach Henry Coe Park is extremely important. History has shown that fires that get  Determine objectives: Objectives are steps toward achieving a goal . Every Structure triage should be accomplished by strike team leaders prior to deploying resources. Type III or VI strategy can be broken down into a series of objectives .  Communication plan: command, tactical, air/ground frequencies, cell phone numbers, etc... established in Henry Coe can be extremely large and damaging. The Lick fire is a good example of that. Much of engines are best suited for the area.  Formulate strategies: Strategies are the general plan or direction to  Medivac & Incident Within an Incident (IWI) plans the annual grasses in the area are crucial to the local ranches for grazing livestock. accomplish incident objectives .

SERVICE / SUPPORT ORGANIZE OBJECTIVES  Appropriate ICS structure to meet incident needs . Key terms:  Other resources that may be working adjacent to you and those available to order Management Objectives STAFF  Assign resources by task and capability .  Aviation operations “NOT THREATENED” / “THREATENED DEFENSIBLE” / 1. Provide firefighter and civilian safety (protection of civilians thru early evacuations are a high priority)  Logistics (e.g., transportation, supplies, equipment) DIRECT  Ensure that assignments are clear and understood . “THREATENED NON-DEFENSIBLE” 2. Preferred method of attack is direct & offensive perimeter control (Anchor & Hold) CONTROL  Establish feedback decision points or triggering events and timetables to ensure RISK MANAGEMENT 3. Efficiently plan for fire spread and promptly order resources that assignments are carried out .  Identify known hazards and risks 4. Work cooperatively and communicate with all agencies EVALUATE  Is the plan working?  Identify control measures to mitigate hazards & reduce risk 5. Maintain fiscal accountability, keep costs commensurate with assets at risk, demobilize as appropriate  Are resources building line faster than the fire is spreading? WUI—Tactical Actions  Identify trigger points for reevaluating operations 6. Complete all necessary documentation  Are objectives being met?  Check and Go—a rapid evaluation to check a structure for 7. Utilize an after-action review process to critique the emergency response, incident management, and the occupants who may require removal or rescue GENERAL SAFETY plan to adapt it for future use  Prep and Go—not safe for resources to remain when the fire  Brief crews on Lookouts, Communications, Escape Routes and Safety Zones (LCES) arrives, but there is enough time to safely complete some  Brief crews on safety zones and refuge areas (structure, vehicle, fire shelter) structure defense preparation  Keep hydrated, watch crew members for signs of heat stress EXPECTED FIRE BEHAVIOR Evacuation Considerations  Prep and Defend—structure is threatened but, based on  Coil a short, 1 ½” charged line with a fog nozzle on your engine for crew safety and quick response Fuels The IC, based upon the dynamics of the incident, should order early evacuations through cooperation and consultation with local law enforcement agencies (PD & SO). All main roads in the area are narrow two lane forecasted fire behavior, it will be relatively safe to defend  Keep 50-100 gallons of water in tank for crew protection Cal Fire ECC’s use the National Fire Danger Rating System (NFDRS) to model fire behavior. Fuels on south & roads.  Bump and Run—fire front impact is imminent or the fire is  Identify all hazards with hazard flagging tape (electrical, propane tanks, outbuilding containing west facing slopes are usually composed of annual grasses & scattered oak trees (Fuel Model “A”). North & east already burning structures and there are not enough resources chemicals or ammunition)… remember, “3 Stripes & You’re Out!” aspects can have a heavy live oak and brush component (Fuel Models “B” & “F”). Evacuation Warning—Alerting of community members in a defined area of a potential threat to life and to effectively take perimeter control action SITE AREA HAZARDS Unit Fire Behavior Weather Zones for the West Zone (Santa Clara County) is Fuel Model “B”. Mature, dense property from an emergency incident. An Evacuation Warning may be issued when the potential or actual threat  Fire Front Following—defensive tactic allows resources to defend structures while staying behind the fire front as it passes  Ingress and egress routes pose critical complications for firefighters entering and civilians exiting on fields of brush 6 feet or more in height are represented by this fuel model. One-fourth or more of the aerial fuel in to civilian life is more than 2 hours away. and fire intensity subsides the same primary roadways such stands is dead. Foliage burns readily. Model B fuels are potentially very dangerous, fostering intense fast-  Anchor and Hold—defend structures directly exposed to  Order evacuations early spreading fires. This model is for California mixed chaparral generally 30 years or older. The F model is more Evacuation Order—Movement of community members out of a defined area due to an immediate threat to life and property from an emergency incident. An Evacuation Order should be used when there is potential or actual other burning structures or vegetation, extinguish structure  Safe areas for firefighters and civilians are limited appropriate for pure chamise stands. threat to civilian life within 1 to 2 hours or when the IC deems it necessary to protect civilians. fires, and reduce ember production in communities  Identify control measures to eliminate hazards and reduce risk  Connect the Dots—Connecting controlled portions of the fire perimeter together to stop fire spread  Brief crews on the resource considerations for the area Around structures, expect dense ornamental vegetation to contribute significantly to fuel loading. If evacuation is necessary, it needs to be ORDERED EARLY. Residents should be advised to use the main roads  Tactical Patrol—after the main fire front has passed and flames have subsided but the threat to  Identify decision points for disengagement or reevaluation of operational plan in the area to head AWAY from the fire. Safe Refuge Area (SRA’s) hold evacuees until safe evacuation is possible. structures from smoldering or creeping fires remains QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS? (WHEN TO GET OUT!)

 Fire is making sustained runs and you have inadequate defensible space based on the length of the Established Highway closure points are: Water Supply Considerations observed flaming front  Hwy 152 & Hwy 156 Junction Public fire hydrants are non-existent. Private Warf hydrants are scattered through the communities gravity  Your water supply will not outlast the fire threat  Hwy 33 & Hwy 152 Junction fed by small storage tanks. Reliable water sources are going to be located at Casa De Fruta (Casa de Fruta  More spot fires than you can suppress  Interstate 5 & Hwy 152 Junction Parkway) and Santa Nella (Hwy 33 in Merced County). San Louis reservoir can be utilized but the lake level  Fire intensity dictates leaving the area immediately  Interstate 5 and Hwy 33 Junction will determine if apparatus are able to access it at any of the boat launch areas.  Roof is 25-50 % involved An evacuation order should also be accompanied with:  Interior fire is established beyond capability of a 1 ½” line or available water supply Helicopters are a valuable asset, with an almost instant turn-around time from San Louis and Pacheco  You can no longer ensure compliance with LCES  Representatives from SO reservoirs (water level dependent). Extended attack fires in the area will be heavily dependent on Water  Assignment of a PIO to any evacuations shelters as soon as possible to allow the most current and Tender/Rural Water Supply Operations. STRUCTURE DEFENSE efficient dissemination of information  Neighborhoods in the area are dense (1/4 acre lots), with well-marked roads and addresses. Fire will  Reverse 911 & Alert SCC (Santa Clara County reverse 911 program) quickly spread from house to house. Perimeter control will limit fire spread to additional structures  CHP will activate a SIG alert on changes in direction of travel. Critical Infrastructure & Utilities  Due to good structure visibility and high density, structure triage may be unnecessary  SECURE PERMISSION TO FIRE from appropriate level of supervision and coordinate firing operations with adjoining forces. Firing will not be an effective tool in close proximity to structures. Evacuation Trigger Points There is a repeater site on the top of Pacheco Peak (Tone 2). It consists of several repeater towers, a generator Have start & end points (anchor points) identified before firing commences Consider the following trigger points to start evacuations: room, and communications vault. There is fire resistive and non-fire resistive construction at the site. Access  Identify water sources. Most areas have quality municipal hydrants  Fire is burning WEST OF DINOSAUR POINT ROAD/ OLD SUMMIT RANCH is limited to a single lane gravel/paved road. The repeater site is not only utilized by Cal Fire, but also Santa  Back in engines at residences using a backup person. Use structures as a shield. DO NOT BLOCK  Fire is burning NORTH or WEST OF EL TORO RANCH Clara County Sheriffs, State Parks, County Parks, and CHP. ROAD ACCESS. Stay mobile!  Fire is backing down from the SOUTH TOWARDS CASA DE FRUTA  Drive defensively with headlights on and watch for evacuees driving erratically  Fire is burning WEST OF CASA DE FRUTA Vast majority of the area is private ranch property utilized for cattle grazing. Large animal evacuation needs  Keep hoselays short during structure protection (no more than 200-300 feet). Use 1 ½” lines to be a consideration.

 Discuss sheltering in place or evacuation considerations (public and fire personnel) The San Felipe Water Pumping Station (San Felipe Pipeline) is located on the eastbound side of Hwy 152  Identify evacuation routes and route of travel for fire apparatus Traffic Closure Levels south of El Toro Ranch. It is a non-combustible metal structure that receives water from  May need to assist public in evacuation of homes and animals  Green—Level 1 (Soft) Closed to all traffic except local residents; may require escorts—news media is and supports a 8-10 ft diameter pipeline supplying water to San Benito County. The Pipeline runs parallel to  Contingency plans allowed access under all closure levels unless prohibited by Penal Code Section 409.5 the Southside of Hwy 152.  Yellow—Level 2 (Hard) Closed to all traffic except FD, LE, and critical incident resources (utility

companies, Public Works, County Roads, etc...) Most homes and businesses have above ground electrical power lines and propane tanks for power.  Orange—Level 3 (Hard) Closed to all traffic except FD & LE

PRE Unit Clara Santa Pass Pacheco 152 Hwy (South) County Clara Santa  Red—Level 4 (Hard) Closed to all traffic including FD & LE RADIO FREQUENCIES

Burn Index (BI) Flame Length Compare to Chart Above

0-20 0-2’ Easily controlled with handtools Name Tone Receive Transmit Kenwood Group 3 HT Group/Channel - Incident Facilities Considerations

ATTACK PLAN 20-40 2’-4’ Generally represent the limit of direct attack with handtools Several sites are available to host incident facilities: SCU Local 2 159.345 151.445 Ch. 16 16/16 40-60 4’-6’ Engines & Dozers necessary or indirect attack should be used CDF Command 1 9 159.300 151.355 Ch. 1 16/1  Casa De Fruta Parkway 60-80 6’-8’ The prospects for direct control by any means are poor above this intensity CDF Command 2 9 159.330 151.265 Ch. 2 16/2  Pacheco Station 31 80-100 8’-10’ The heat load on people within 30 feet of the fire is dangerous  Hurricane Canyon Entrance CDF Command 4 7 159.375 151.400 Ch. 4 16/4 100+ 10’+ Above this intensity, spotting, fire whirls, and crowning should be expected  Pacheco State Park CDF Tac 2 151.1600 151.1600 Ch. 49 18/14

CDF Tac 6 151.3250 151.3250 Ch. 53 18/18

Weather CDF Tac 9 151.3850 151.3850 Ch. 56 19/2 The weather is generally warm and dry during the day with good relative humidity recovery at night, helped by Staging areas can include: CDF A/G 151.2200 151.2200 Ch. 99 23/1

coastal onshore flow. If a critical weather pattern exists such as a (Foehn) North Wind, or a cold front passage, the Coordinates daily diurnal weather variation will be subdued. If these critical weather patterns align with the topography, Name Address Comments CALCORD 156.0750 156.0750 Ch. 117 24/5 expect extreme rates of fire spread, especially along exposed ridges and through passes & valleys. Latitude Longitude * A portable repeater site can be set up on Elephant Head Peak if needed o o Cal Fire Pacheco Station 31 12280 Pacheco Pass Hwy N 37 00.803’ W 121 20.824 Peak summer daytime temperatures are generally 90-100o F, with relative humidity ranging between 20-35%. AGENCY NOTIFICATIONS Winds come from the West everyday starting around 1300hrs. Good for Dozers/Safe Refuge Area Casa De Fruta 10021 Pacheco Pass Hwy N 36o 59.849’ W 121o 22.561’ (SRA) Through ECC request representatives from: There is a Remote Activated Weather Station (RAWS) for this area at San Martin Airport approximately 5 miles o o Santa Clara County south of Morgan Hill. This site will give good general weather conditions for most of the floor. Bell Station/Kaiser Etna Rd 15110 Pacheco Pass Hwy N 37 02.409’ W 121 18.569’ Parking Lot at Dowdy Entrance A portable RAWS can be set up at Pacheco Fire Station if needed.  Sheriff  County OES

Scanfor maps & other locallinks:

CALFIRE Subsidence (warm, dry air sinking) can cause surprisingly extreme fire behavior during the late night and early Whiskey Flat Rd o o  Public Works Pacheco State Park N 37 03.803’ W 121 12.886’ Good for Dozers morning hours, with higher elevations recording single-digit humidities and overnight temperatures in the 90’s. & Dinosaur Point Rd  County Roads

Morgan Hill, CA 95037 CA Hill, Morgan 15670 Monterey Street 15670Monterey  County Parks

- (408) 779(408)

SANTACLARA UNIT  Large Animal Evacuation Westbound Hwy 152 Topography Hurricane Canyon Entrance N 37o 02.122’ W 121o 19.335’ Good for Dozers

West of Bell Station

- 2121 Hwy 152 (Pacheco Pass) Area has elevations ranging from 350 to 2300 feet with steep hillsides, long canyons, and State

long winding ridge tops, paralleling Hwy 152. These canyons provide the opportunity for wind to be strongly  CHP

funneled.  Parks (Henry Coe)

 California Department of Fish and Wildlife

Fire History

Fires have generally been small initial attack fires however many extended attack fires have occurred in the past NGO / Other  American Red Cross on Pacheco Pass.  Santa Clara Valley Water

 Santa Clara County Open Space