Orinda council and MOFD discuss Zone 0 draft rules, prescribed burns and fuel‑reduction work

Council members on June 17 recapped a 2x2 meeting with the Moraga‑Orinda Fire District (MOFD) that covered the State Department of Forestry’s draft Zone 0 regulations and MOFD’s ongoing fuel‑mitigation work, including prescribed burns and incentive programs.

At the 2x2, MOFD Chief Isaacs provided an update on the state’s draft Zone 0 regulations, which are out for public comment. Council members noted the regulations will likely be open for about 45 days for public and agency comments and urged residents and staff to review the draft.

Council members and city staff also reviewed MOFD enforcement and incentive programs for home hardening — including vent mesh and gutter guard incentives — and discussed adding funding for more inspectors. The council reported ongoing fuel‑reduction work around the city, including the nearly completed mitigation on Brookwood Road and a prescribed burn conducted earlier in North Orinda.

City Manager said the city is supportive of a proposed prescribed burn at Orinda Oaks Park to reduce fuels and create an additional 100‑foot defensible perimeter; she said staff will coordinate with MOFD and provide neighborhood notice before burns to advise residents to keep windows and doors closed. Council members noted the city and MOFD will continue coordination on fuel breaks and potential prescribed‑burn dates.

The council also approved placing a staff presentation on Zone 0 draft regulations on the July 15 regular meeting agenda so the full council can receive the update and consider any city comments within the draft‑regulation comment period.