Fire chief outlines Saint Helena defensible‑space inspection certificate program

Fire Chief Sorensen presented an overview of Saint Helena’s defensible‑space inspection certificate program during the April 8 council meeting, describing the two inspection zones, pyrophytic species to remove, and how residents can request a free site evaluation and certificate.

Sorensen said Zone 1 covers the 30 feet immediately around a structure and Zone 2 extends to 100 feet in the city limits, and he emphasized common high‑risk plants such as acacia, chamise, coyote brush and Italian cypress. “These are the species of shrubs and trees that burn just like gasoline,” Sorensen said, noting the city’s checklist is available online at cityofsthelena.gov under “defensible space inspection certificate.” He also noted chimney and stovepipe screens and gutter maintenance as important ember‑risk protections.

The program offers a free on‑site evaluation: residents can contact the city (Chief Sorensen referenced Alec Viddler as a contact) for a site visit; staff will recommend work to reduce fire risk and will re‑visit after property owners complete the work to issue a certificate at no cost. Sorensen cautioned that a certificate “does not guarantee that the structure is going to survive a wildland fire, but it will reduce the probability.”

Council members asked about insurance impacts, encroachment problems where neighbor vegetation creates risk, and potential proactive steps the city could take to discourage planting pyrophytic species. Sorensen said certificates can help with insurance negotiations but carriers vary in how they value them, and that the city’s weed abatement and code enforcement programs can address visible risks; for backyard or non‑visible conditions, staff will work with property owners and, if needed, abate and lien the property for costs.

The council discussed whether to consider banning certain plants or more active education materials; staff suggested more homeowner outreach about recommended species and the limits of code enforcement. Sorensen described some access‑and‑terrain challenges for abatement but said the free inspections and ongoing maintenance guidance are intended to reduce ember exposure and improve survivability during wildland fire events.

The city noted that the meter‑replacement project (different agenda item) will improve diagnostics for utilities; Sorensen’s program is separate and focuses on structure protection and vegetation management.