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Residents urge awareness as Cal Fire's updated hazard zones expand in Chino Hills; council hears public comment
Summary
A resident warned the council the city's acreage saw the largest statewide increase in mapped fire-hazard severity, urged outreach and defensible-space programs, and staff described existing inspection and outreach efforts; a public hearing is scheduled by the fire district on July 9.
A resident told the Chino Hills City Council on May 27 that updated Cal Fire Local Responsibility Area (LRA) hazard-zone maps released this year significantly expanded mapped wildfire severity in Chino Hills and urged the city to publicize the change and expand community preparedness.
Ann Lahr, speaking in public comment, said Chino Hills had the highest acreage increase in California under the new maps and urged the city to step up outreach, publicize an upcoming San Bernardino County Fire District public hearing and consider additional fire-safe councils, volunteer watch programs and wildfire-awareness workshops. She highlighted potential insurance implications and asked the city to help residents understand the consequences of the new designations.
City Manager Ben Montgomery and staff said the city and the fire district are constrained by state mapping rules. Montgomery noted the fire district is limited in its ability to change the state-generated hazard designations but that the district will host a local hearing and provide information; a public hearing by the district was scheduled for July 9. Staff also said the city regularly conducts weed-abatement inspections, works with the fire district on defensible-space enforcement and uses public-information channels to communicate red-flag warnings.
Fire and safety staff reported there are cameras and monitoring systems (some with automated smoke detection) covering park and open-space areas; the department also is coordinating with the state parks on fire-risk management. Montgomery said conversations are in progress with county officials about where the county can assist; he reported the county CEO and staff had discussed a targeted approach for certain commercial properties where the city already receives a larger portion of property tax revenue.
Ending: Councilmembers and staff asked for more public outreach and suggested exploring volunteer or spotter programs modeled on adjacent jurisdictions; staff said it would continue coordination with the fire district and state park officials and provide additional information to the public about the maps and upcoming hearings.
