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Atascadero officials say lake fill pipe is blocked; staff pursuing permits and funding after summer fires highlighted firefighting reliance
Summary
Residents urged repairs to the Atascadero lake fill pipe at the City Councilcommunity forum after helicopters repeatedly used the lake to fight nearby wildfires; city staff said the pipe was damaged in 2023 storms, permitting is underway and alternative water sources exist.
Atascadero residents urged the City Council on multiple occasions during the community forum to repair the pipe that fills the city lake, saying the reservoir is an important firefighting resource after two recent wildfires threatened neighborhood homes.
The speakers described close escapes this summer and credited firefighters and aerial water drops for protecting residences. "On the second one, we were shocked to notice that one of the drops looked more like mud than water," resident Mark Fraser said, urging the city to keep the lake usable so helicopters do not draw mud instead of water.
Camille Farrington, who said her home on Corriente was threatened during the Llano fire, described watching helicopters repeatedly draw from the lake. "What a relief it was to see that…
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