Belvedere, Tiburon officials urge early evacuation, home hardening at wildfire-preparedness forum

Belvedere and Tiburon officials and county emergency staff urged Peninsula residents to prepare now for wildfire and to evacuate early if ordered, during a joint preparedness forum convened by the two mayors.

"When you get the word to evacuate, don't wait. Go," said Supervisor Stephanie Maltzaketer, who represents Southern Marin. The meeting emphasized practical steps residents can take at home and neighborhood levels to reduce risk and keep roads clear for emergency responders.

Local and county officials said the emphasis on preparation comes as Cal Fire has begun issuing updated fire severity maps, a state executive order is pushing finer guidance on the so‑called Zone 0 around homes, and a new round of building and fire-code changes is scheduled for adoption in 2025 and to take effect Jan. 1, 2026.

Chief of Police Jason Wouk of Belvedere, speaking to evacuation planning, listed three priorities for households: have a plan, assemble supplies and monitor warnings. "The trick to evacuation in my opinion is evacuate early. Don't wait until the crowd decide to leave at the same time," Wouk said. He and other presenters warned that Belvedere’s island geography and constricted access points make early action especially important for some neighborhoods.

Tiburon Fire prevention specialist Django "DJ" Heckler outlined home-hardening and defensible-space measures and defined the immediate…