Sunnyvale Fire Chief outlines capacity to handle wildfire and mutual aid reliance

The Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety held an Information Night Community Meeting on February 27, 2025, to address concerns regarding public safety and emergency preparedness in the city. The meeting featured discussions on wildfire risks, staffing levels for emergency services, and the effectiveness of current public safety strategies.

One of the primary topics raised was the potential risk of wildfires transitioning to structure fires, particularly in light of recent incidents in other areas, such as Altadena. A participant inquired about the capacity of Sunnyvale's fire department to respond to multiple simultaneous structure fires, especially in the event of a major wildfire affecting the region. The fire chief acknowledged that while Sunnyvale's staffing model is designed for typical suburban incidents, significant wildfires would necessitate mutual aid from neighboring agencies. He emphasized the importance of community involvement through the Office of Emergency Services (OES) and the Citizen Emergency Response Team (CERT), which trains volunteers to assist during emergencies.

The discussion also touched on the city's emergency operation plans, which include strategies for various scenarios, such as floods and earthquakes. The fire chief noted that the city regularly evaluates its notification processes and evacuation routes to ensure residents are informed and safe during emergencies.

Another significant point of discussion was the staffing levels within the police and fire departments. A community member suggested that the city should reevaluate its public safety model, which has been in place for 75 years, to determine if a different approach could better serve the community's needs. The participant proposed increasing the number of personnel rather than focusing solely on salary adjustments, arguing that a more diverse skill set among responders could enhance service delivery.

In response, the city manager highlighted that the annual budget process includes performance measures to assess the effectiveness of public safety services. He noted that Sunnyvale's response times for medical and emergency calls are competitive compared to industry standards, but acknowledged the ongoing goal to improve service levels.

The meeting concluded with an invitation for community members to engage with city officials and provide feedback on public safety services. The discussions underscored the city's commitment to preparedness and responsiveness in the face of potential emergencies, while also recognizing the need for continuous evaluation and improvement of public safety strategies.