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Carlsbad accepts Phase 1 wildfire risk assessment; council authorizes Phase 2 and further work
Summary
Council unanimously accepted Phase 1 of Carlsbad’s wildfire mitigation plan, which found that the city's very‑high fire hazard zones have expanded to encompass roughly one‑third of the city and recommended a two‑phase approach including a Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP); staff will initiate Phase 2 with outreach, project prioritization, and proposed staffing changes.
The City Council unanimously accepted Phase 1 of Carlsbad's Wildfire Mitigation Plan and authorized staff to initiate Phase 2 to develop a Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP).
Fire Chief Mike Calderwood and Fire Marshal Darcy Davidson presented findings from the consultant Dudek’s Wildfire Hazard and Risk Assessment. Chief Calderwood summarized the city’s recent investments in fuels reduction and said the analysis "confirmed that wildfire risk is not limited to just open space and that a community-wide approach to resilience is necessary." (Mike Calderwood)
A notable technical finding presented by staff: "Most notably, areas classified as very high expanded substantially and now encompass approximately one‑third of the city, an increase of 169% compared to the 2007 map." The report found that mature coastal sage scrub and chaparral have accumulated fuels over decades and that some areas adjacent to development now create continuous fuel pathways that can drive ember‑driven fire spread.
Staff described five priority action groups: increase strategic fuel reduction, expand defensible space where modeling shows current levels are insufficient, establish defensible‑space inspection and compliance, address regulatory constraints in habitat areas, and update landscape and development guidance to reflect wildfire risk. Jennifer True, the senior assistant city attorney, explained that the city's Habitat Management Plan (HMP) and federal/state endangered species laws create regulatory constraints that require project‑specific environmental review and, in some cases, HMP amendments to implement certain fuel‑reduction measures.
Staff recommended converting a part‑time fire prevention specialist into a full‑time assistant fire marshal to support the CWPP process and ongoing inspection/compliance needs, and described recent one‑time funding for vegetation management. Council members pressed for clarity about timelines and funding and discussed state rules such as the forthcoming 'zone 0' homeowner requirements. The council adopted a resolution accepting Phase 1, authorized the start of Phase 2, and included staff funding and outreach tasks to be considered in the FY 26/27 budget process.
