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City reports Pickett fire response and plans door‑hanger outreach for residents in high hazard zones
Summary
City staff updated council on the Pickett fire response, noting St. Helena resources deployed and plans to distribute door‑hanger flyers to addresses in high and very high hazard zones with information on hardening properties and upcoming state regulations.
City staff reported to the St. Helena City Council on Aug. 26 about the Pickett fire and related outreach to residents in high‑hazard zones.
Acting City Manager Luke Leach told council the Pickett fire covered roughly 6,800 acres and was about 17% contained, with nearly 2,300 firefighting personnel involved. Leach said the city has six St. Helena staff assigned to the incident, including a water tender and a Type 3 rig, and that Chief Sorensen (on the line) had provided an afternoon update. Leach said staff would not provide details on property damage at that time.
Leach also announced a planned outreach campaign: later this week or early next week the fire department will place flyers or door‑hanger notices on selected addresses that fall within the city’s high and very high hazard zones. The materials will illustrate steps residents can take to harden structures and offer safety suggestions in advance of anticipated changes to state regulations. Leach emphasized staff do not yet know the final content of forthcoming state regulations but want to help residents prepare.
Council members asked clarifying questions; Leach noted the outreach is intended as awareness and preparedness rather than regulatory guidance. The council did not take formal action beyond receiving the update.
