MOFD advances wildfire prevention strategies in Orinda and Moraga communities

The Town of Moraga is ramping up its wildfire preparedness efforts, with key projects aimed at protecting the community from encroaching fires. During the Emergency Preparedness Community Meeting on April 21, 2025, officials highlighted ongoing initiatives, including the maintenance of the North Aranda shaded fuel break and the development of the Tunnel East Bay Hills fuel break. These projects are designed to disrupt fire pathways and slow down potential wildfires, providing critical time for firefighting efforts.

Fire Chief Isaacs emphasized the importance of these fuel breaks, clarifying, “A fuel break is not going to stop a fire. It’s something that we use to disrupt the fire pathway.” The community is encouraged to stay informed about evacuation routes, with inspections set to resume this year after a pause. The Moraga-Orinda Fire District (MOFD) is also focusing on prescribed fire projects to maintain existing fuel breaks and create new ones.

A significant topic of discussion was the upcoming implementation of Zone 0 requirements, which will take effect on January 1, 2026, for properties in high fire hazard areas. Chief Isaacs urged community members to participate in discussions about these regulations, stating, “We want to hear from you, the public, before we enact anything.”

Deputy Chief Lucas Lambert shared insights from his recent experiences in Southern California, where he witnessed the devastating impact of wildfires. He stressed the importance of home hardening, vegetation removal, and timely firefighting responses as critical measures for community safety. “We are seeing more frequent events of these low humidity, high wind situations,” he warned, underscoring the need for proactive measures.

As Moraga prepares for the fire season, residents are encouraged to engage with local fire officials, stay informed about safety protocols, and take steps to protect their homes. The town’s commitment to wildfire prevention and community safety remains a top priority as officials work to enhance preparedness and resilience against future fire threats.