District reports tunnel East Bay Hills fuel‑break 59.8% complete, plans hand‑crew work through October

The Moraga‑area fire district reported progress this week on the Tunnel East Bay Hills fuel‑break, saying the project has expended about $3.8 million — roughly 59.8% of a $6.3 million budget — and remains on schedule to complete work required by the grant.

In a presentation to the board, the Fire Marshal said invoices submitted to CalFire through June 30 totaled $2.9 million, of which CalFire has paid about $2.2 million; a second‑quarter invoice left a net receivable of approximately $641,000. Staff added that subsequent July and August activity has increased the district’s estimated receivable for 2024–25.

Why it matters: the work creates a shaded fuel break that lifts canopy and removes undergrowth to slow wildfire spread in a high‑risk corridor above residential areas in and near Moraga. Because of environmental constraints identified in the project’s approved vegetation treatment plan, crews are using hand crews rather than heavy equipment, a choice staff said reduces risks to protected species but increases labor needs.

Staff said two contractors are on the project — a local crew (20 people) and an out‑of‑area crew (15 people) — and that continuing both crews through Oct. 4 will draw remaining contract/grant funds down to roughly $900,000–$1,000,000. After October the district expects to transition to pile burning and prescribed fire with ConFire crew 12; that work was described as essential for completing the grant before the March 15 deadline.

The board heard that the district has expensed an additional $877,000 after June 30 for the fuel break, and staff emphasized that ongoing maintenance will be required as vegetation regrows — an effort the district plans to seek additional grant funding to support. Staff also highlighted a regional benefit from assigning ConFire crew 12 work through the winter months to retain seasonal firefighters.

Board members asked about regrowth rates, maintenance costs and whether the initial hand‑crew approach would permit later use of machinery for upkeep once canopy and understory conditions are altered; staff said maintenance is much less costly than initial entry and that, where appropriate, machinery could be used after the first opening is established.

Next steps: staff placed an item on consent to increase authorization for a contractor tied to this work and said they will pursue maintenance grants to support ongoing treatment. The board was told the grant schedule and environmental approvals make on‑time completion likely.