 |
| Photo courtesy of Debbie Dunn Brian Kirk and Charles Blankenheim of CAL FIRE were among the seven fire and emergency responders to discuss policy issues at the Aug. 21 Upcountry Community Council meeting. |
| Photo by: Courtesy to the Ledger Dispatch |
It was at the council's July meeting, which focused on current and proposed land use policies, that upcountry residents realized the value in understanding how their properties and lives were being protected. As a result, more than 40 attendees were treated to a comprehensive presentation on fire protection and emergency response. On hand were Chief Jim McCart of the Amador Fire Protection District, Brian Kirk and Charles Blankenheim of CAL FIRE, former CAL FIRE Chief Mike Kirkley, Sherman Reinius from the American Red Cross, Cathy Koos-Breazeal of the Amador Fire Safe Council and Lynne Olson from the county's Office of Emergency Services.
McCart and County Administrative Officer Terri Daly began by discussing Measure M, the November ballot measure that proposes to fund paid fire staff with a half-cent increase in the local sales tax. Cautious not to lobby for the Amador Fire Protection Authority's proposed legislation, McCart and Daly defined current conditions for fire and emergency services, then spelled out how the half-cent special tax would be able to provide 24/7 coverage and enhance the existing fire and emergency response base throughout the county.
Twenty minutes of questions from the public provided the segue for Kirk and Blankenheim to talk about how the state fit into the equation. Time was also spent defining everything from brush-clearing requirements for homeowners to how 911 calls are handled and where the dispatch centers are located.
Many upcountry animal owners were relieved to learn that county Animal Control Director John Vail had an animal rescue plan in place and could be contacted for additional information.
The subject of evacuations tipped off another barrage of public concern. Olson discussed a recent disaster scenario workshop. She explained that although each of the agencies called upon in times of emergency maintains detailed policy and response plans, the workshop provided agencies the first opportunity to bring those plans together. Olson said many lessons were learned and improvements or adjustments have been implemented.
Pioneer resident Sherry Curtis inquired about the existence of a countywide evacuation plan should a wildland fire overtake Amador. No such plan has been created, but Koos-Breazeal reported that recently received funding will allow the fire safe council to coordinate the formation of a countywide incident action plan and a community wildland fire plan.
Some residents lingered after the meeting to ask additional questions of the guest speakers. The September meeting will again tackle land use with Amador Pines resident and past board member Bob Curall. Using the same tools and workbooks as the General Plan Advisory Committee, residents will begin carving out what they perceive to be the best use of upcountry property for the next 20 years.
The Upcountry Community Council holds monthly meetings on the third Thursday of every month at 6 p.m. at the Veterans' Memorial Hall in Pioneer Park. For additional information, contact Curall at 295-7630 or countrymice@volcano.net or Debbie Dunn at 296-5435 or ddunn@volcano.net.
Debbie Dunn is a member of the Upcountry Community Council.