Score: +37 (37/10/0)

Contra Costa County Grand Jury • 2019-2020

Contact: Anne Granlund Foreperson

Published: June 08, 2020 14 pages

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⚠️ Translation Notice: This content has been automatically translated. The original English text is the official version. Translation may contain errors.

⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.

Findings and Recommendations 9 findings

During a Red Flag Warning, fire districts and fire departments in Contra Costa County often deploy pre-positioned firefighting strike teams to maximize the ability to respond to wildfires.

Related Recommendations (1)

The Board of Directors of Contra Costa County Fire Protection District, East Contra Costa Fire Protection District, Rodeo-Hercules Fire Protection District, and San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District should consider directing their Fire Chief to update wildfire evacuation plans and incorporate pre-determined polygons and advanced routing technology,

Fire districts and fire departments in Contra Costa County require property owners to perform weed abatement on their property to reduce the risk of fire spread.

Related Recommendations (1)

The Board of Directors of Contra Costa County Fire Protection District, East Contra Costa Fire Protection District, Moraga-Orinda Fire Protection District, Rodeo-Hercules Fire Protection District, and San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District should consider identifying funds to adopt or expand the use of new technologies, such as ground sensors, drones, satellites, and fire spotting cameras, to help detect fires in high-risk areas,

Not all fire districts and fire departments in Contra Costa County use pre- determined polygons and routing algorithms in their evacuation plans.

Related Recommendations (1)

The East Contra Costa Fire Protection District Board of Directors should consider identifying options to fund additional fire stations and staff to restore fire services to pre-2008 levels,

Fire districts and fire departments in Contra Costa County recommend that residents comply with law enforcement’s orders to evacuate during an emergency.

Related Recommendations (1)

The Board of Directors of Contra Costa County Fire Protection District, East Contra Costa Fire Protection District, Moraga-Orinda Fire Protection District, and Rodeo-Hercules Fire Protection District should review and consider mechanisms, such as the ordinance passed by the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District, that would enable their fire district to recover labor and equipment costs from PG&E for overseeing electrical utility work that presents a high fire risk,

Not all fire districts and fire departments in Contra Costa County use new technologies, such as ground sensors, drones, satellites, and fire spotting cameras, for early detection of fires.

Related Recommendations (1)

The City Councils of El Cerrito, Pinole, and Richmond should consider directing their Fire Chief to update wildfire evacuation plans and incorporate pre- determined polygons and advanced routing technology,

The October 2019 Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events disrupted emergency response efforts and communications in Contra Costa County.

Related Recommendations (1)

The City Councils of El Cerrito, Pinole, and Richmond should consider identifying funds to adopt or expand the use of new technologies, such as ground sensors, drones, satellites, and fire spotting cameras, to help detect fires in high-risk areas,

Fire districts and fire departments in Contra Costa County are not always informed by PG&E when the utility is performing non-emergency maintenance work that presents a high fire risk during a Red Flag Warning.

Related Recommendations (1)

The City Councils of El Cerrito, Pinole, and Richmond should review and consider mechanisms, such as the ordinance passed by the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District, that would enable their fire department to recover labor and equipment costs from PG&E for overseeing electrical utility work that presents a high fire risk,

An ordinance passed by the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District, requiring PG&E to give advance notice of non-emergency maintenance work that presents a high fire risk, enables the fire district to pre-position a team at the utility worksite and recover labor and equipment costs.

No recommendations for this finding

Due to a lack of funding, the number of fire stations and staffing levels in East Contra Costa Fire Protection District has not been restored to pre-2008 levels.

No recommendations for this finding

Agency Responses 8

Government agencies' official responses to this report's findings and recommendations. Click on a response to see the structured breakdown.

City of El Cerrito

August 21, 2020 • 3 pages • 11 responses • Score: +8 (+8, 3, 0) View Details ▾

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11 responses to findings and recommendations

During a Red Flag Warning, fire districts and fire departments in Contra Costa County often deploy pre-positioned firefighting strike teams to maximize the ability to respond to wildfires.

Response: Agree Score: +1

The City of El Cerrito agrees with this finding. F2. Fire districts and fire departments in Contra Costa County require property owners to perform weed abatement on their property to reduce the risk of fire spread. RESPONSE: The City of El Cerrito agrees with this finding. F3. Not all fire districts and fire departments in Contra Costa County use predetermined polygons and routing algorithms in their evacuation plans. RESPONSE: The City of El Cerrito agrees with this finding. F4. Fire districts and fire departments in Contra Costa County recommend that residents comply with law enforcement's o...

Fire districts and fire departments in Contra Costa County require property owners to perform weed abatement on their property to reduce the risk of fire spread.

Response: Agree Score: +1

Not all fire districts and fire departments in Contra Costa County use pre- determined polygons and routing algorithms in their evacuation plans.

Response: Agree Score: +1

Fire districts and fire departments in Contra Costa County recommend that residents comply with law enforcement’s orders to evacuate during an emergency.

Response: Agree Score: +1

Not all fire districts and fire departments in Contra Costa County use new technologies, such as ground sensors, drones, satellites, and fire spotting cameras, for early detection of fires.

Response: Agree Score: +1

Response: Implemented

Score: 0

The October 2019 Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events disrupted emergency response efforts and communications in Contra Costa County.

Response: Agree Score: +1

Response: Implemented

Score: 0

Response: Agree Score: +1

Response: Implemented

Score: 0

Response: Agree Score: +1

City of Pinole

August 18, 2020 • 3 pages • 11 responses • Score: +11 (+11, 0, 0) View Details ▾

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11 responses to findings and recommendations

During a Red Flag Warning, fire districts and fire departments in Contra Costa County often deploy pre-positioned firefighting strike teams to maximize the ability to respond to wildfires.

Response: Agree Score: +1

agrees with finding #1.

Fire districts and fire departments in Contra Costa County require property owners to perform weed abatement on their property to reduce the risk of fire spread.

Response: Agree Score: +1

agrees with Finding #2.

Not all fire districts and fire departments in Contra Costa County use pre- determined polygons and routing algorithms in their evacuation plans.

Response: Agree Score: +1

agrees with Finding #3.

Fire districts and fire departments in Contra Costa County recommend that residents comply with law enforcement’s orders to evacuate during an emergency.

Response: Agree Score: +1

agrees with Finding #4.

Not all fire districts and fire departments in Contra Costa County use new technologies, such as ground sensors, drones, satellites, and fire spotting cameras, for early detection of fires.

Response: Agree Score: +1

agrees with Finding #5.

Response: Will Implement

Score: +1

The recommendation has not yet been implemented, but plans are underway to implement by June 30, 2021. The Contra Costa County Fire Chiefs Association was approved for grant funding in the amount of $300,000 for a software program which will provide a uniform evacuation planning platform for fire agencies within the county. The funds are expected to be available in late 2020, and implementation is expected for mid-2021. Recommendation #6: The City Councils of El Cerrito, Pinole, and Richmond should consider identifying funds to adopt or expand the use of new technologies, such as ground senso...

The October 2019 Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events disrupted emergency response efforts and communications in Contra Costa County.

Response: Agree Score: +1

agrees with Finding #6.

Response: Will Implement

Score: +1

The recommendation has not yet been implemented but will be implemented in the future. As a municipal fire agency contracted with the Contra Costa Regional Fire Communications Center (CCRFCC) for dispatch services, Pinole Fire Department has access to real-time satellite detection of fires as provided by PG&E. CCRFCC (which is operated by Contra Costa County Fire Protection District) can use this information for early detection to dispatch fire resources to a given area, often in remote locations, and use this information to support or confirm a fire. PG&E fire spotting cameras in the areas su...

Response: Agree Score: +1

agrees with Finding #7.

Response: Will Implement

Score: +1

The recommendation has not yet been implemented but will be implemented in the future. While it is unclear whether a local agency can regulate PG&E activities by way of an ordinance like that which was passed by SRVFPD, the City of Pinole will review and consider such mechanisms as recommended in this report by June 30, 2021. The City appreciates the time and effort spent by Her Honor and the Grand Jury in consideration of these matters. Sincerety, Roy∕Swearingen, Mayor CITY OF PINOLE

Response: Agree Score: +1

agrees with Finding #8, as we understand the San Ramon Valley FPD ordinance to be written.

City of Richmond

July 21, 2020 • 3 pages • 1 response • Score: +1 (+1, 0, 0) View Details ▾

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1 response to findings and recommendations

Not all fire districts and fire departments in Contra Costa County use pre- determined polygons and routing algorithms in their evacuation plans.

Response: Agree Score: +1

We agree with this finding. 6. The October 2019 Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events disrupted emergency response efforts and communications in Contra Costa County. Response: We disagree with this finding. The City of Richmond did not experience a disruption in our emergency response or communications as a result of the PSPS. Fire districts and fire departments in Contra Costa County are not always informed by PG&E when the utility is performing non-emergency maintenance work that presents a high fire risk during a Red Flag Warning. Response: We agree with this finding. 8. An ordinance pa...

Contra Costa County Fire Protection District

August 18, 2020 • 5 pages • 11 responses • Score: +9 (+9, 2, 0) View Details ▾

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11 responses to findings and recommendations

During a Red Flag Warning, fire districts and fire departments in Contra Costa County often deploy pre-positioned firefighting strike teams to maximize the ability to respond to wildfires.

Response: Agree Score: +1

Agree. F2. Fire districts and fire departments in Contra Costa County require property owners to perform weed abatement on their property to reduce the risk of fire spread. Response: Agree. F3. Not all fire districts and fire departments in Contra Costa County use predetermined polygons and routing algorithms in their evacuation plans. Response: Agree. F4. Fire districts and fire departments in Contra Costa County recommend that residents comply with law enforcement's orders to evacuate during an emergency. Response: Agree. 4005 Port Chicago Highway, Suite 250 · Concord, CA 94520-1180 Telephon...

Response: Will Implement

Score: +1

The recommendation has not been implemented, but will be implemented in 2021. Collectively, the Contra Costa County Fire Chiefs Association supported a grant application in 2019 to provide funding for the procurement and implementation of a software program that will provide a uniform evacuation planning platform. The $300,000 grant was approved in late 2019 with funding to be available in late 2020. Procurement is expected to commence in late 2020 with implementation scheduled in mid-2021. The software will satisfy the recommendation included in this report. R2. The Board of Directors of Cont...

Fire districts and fire departments in Contra Costa County require property owners to perform weed abatement on their property to reduce the risk of fire spread.

Response: Agree Score: +1

Agree. F3. Not all fire districts and fire departments in Contra Costa County use predetermined polygons and routing algorithms in their evacuation plans. Response: Agree. F4. Fire districts and fire departments in Contra Costa County recommend that residents comply with law enforcement's orders to evacuate during an emergency. Response: Agree. 4005 Port Chicago Highway, Suite 250 · Concord, CA 94520-1180 Telephone: (925) 941-3300 • Fax: (925) 941-3309 • www.cccfpd.org • • • F5. Not all fire districts and fire departments in Contra Costa County use new technologies, such as ground sensors, dr...

Response: Implemented

Score: 0

This recommendation has been implemented (partially), requires more analysis in some cases, or is not feasible in some cases. Since 2019 the fire agencies within Contra Costa County have been working individually, and collectively, on researching or implementing many of the technologies referenced. The Contra Costa Regional Fire Communications Center (CCRFCC), operated by the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District, has access to real-time satellite detection of fires as provided by PG&E. The CCRFCC can use this information to dispatch fire resources to a given area, often in remote locat...

Not all fire districts and fire departments in Contra Costa County use pre- determined polygons and routing algorithms in their evacuation plans.

Response: Agree Score: +1

Agree. F4. Fire districts and fire departments in Contra Costa County recommend that residents comply with law enforcement's orders to evacuate during an emergency. Response: Agree. 4005 Port Chicago Highway, Suite 250 · Concord, CA 94520-1180 Telephone: (925) 941-3300 • Fax: (925) 941-3309 • www.cccfpd.org • • • F5. Not all fire districts and fire departments in Contra Costa County use new technologies, such as ground sensors, drones, satellites, and fire spotting cameras, for early detection of fires. Response: Agree. It should be noted, however, that the majority of the "new technologies" ...

Fire districts and fire departments in Contra Costa County recommend that residents comply with law enforcement’s orders to evacuate during an emergency.

Response: Agree Score: +1

Agree. 4005 Port Chicago Highway, Suite 250 · Concord, CA 94520-1180 Telephone: (925) 941-3300 • Fax: (925) 941-3309 • www.cccfpd.org • • • F5. Not all fire districts and fire departments in Contra Costa County use new technologies, such as ground sensors, drones, satellites, and fire spotting cameras, for early detection of fires. Response: Agree. It should be noted, however, that the majority of the "new technologies" referenced are in various forms of research or early stages of testing and are not readily available for fire departments to be deployed. F6. The October 2019 Public Safety Po...

Response: Requires Analysis

Score: 0

This recommendation requires further analysis. It is unclear whether PG&E can be regulated by a local agency in a manner similar to the ordinance passed by the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District. PG&E has filed a lawsuit against the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District challenging the validity of the ordinance. Upon resolution of this legal challenge, there will be more information available in providing a better understanding and potential direction for similar local regulation of PG&E activities. Until these matters are resolved, implementation of this recommendation is not feasi...

Not all fire districts and fire departments in Contra Costa County use new technologies, such as ground sensors, drones, satellites, and fire spotting cameras, for early detection of fires.

Response: Agree Score: +1

Agree. It should be noted, however, that the majority of the "new technologies" referenced are in various forms of research or early stages of testing and are not readily available for fire departments to be deployed. F6. The October 2019 Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events disrupted emergency response efforts and communications in Contra Costa County. Response: Agree. F7. Fire districts and fire departments in Contra Costa County are not always informed by PG&E when the utility is performing non-emergency maintenance work that presents a high fire risk during a Red Flag Warning. Respons...

The October 2019 Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events disrupted emergency response efforts and communications in Contra Costa County.

Response: Agree Score: +1

Agree. F7. Fire districts and fire departments in Contra Costa County are not always informed by PG&E when the utility is performing non-emergency maintenance work that presents a high fire risk during a Red Flag Warning. Response: Agree. F8. An ordinance passed by the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District, requiring PG&E to give advance notice of non-emergency maintenance work that presents a high fire risk, enables the fire district to pre-position a team at the utility worksite and recover labor and equipment costs. Response: Agree, as we understand the San Ramon Valley FPD ordinance to...

Response: Agree Score: +1

Agree. F8. An ordinance passed by the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District, requiring PG&E to give advance notice of non-emergency maintenance work that presents a high fire risk, enables the fire district to pre-position a team at the utility worksite and recover labor and equipment costs. Response: Agree, as we understand the San Ramon Valley FPD ordinance to be written. RECOMMENDATIONS - California Penal Code Section 933.05(b) requires a response to the designated recommendations of the Grand Jury. R1. The Board of Directors of Contra Costa County Fire Protection District, East Contra ...

Response: Agree Score: +1

Agree, as we understand the San Ramon Valley FPD ordinance to be written. RECOMMENDATIONS - California Penal Code Section 933.05(b) requires a response to the designated recommendations of the Grand Jury. R1. The Board of Directors of Contra Costa County Fire Protection District, East Contra Costa Fire Protection District, Rodeo-Hercules Fire Protection District, and San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District should consider directing their Fire Chief to update wildfire • . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . evacuation plans and incorporate pre-determined polygons and advanced routing technol...

East Contra Costa Fire Protection District

September 10, 2020 • 4 pages • 2 responses • Score: +2 (+2, 0, 0) View Details ▾

PDF

2 responses to findings and recommendations

During a Red Flag Warning, fire districts and fire departments in Contra Costa County often deploy pre-positioned firefighting strike teams to maximize the ability to respond to wildfires.

Response: Agree Score: +1

agrees with findings F1-F8 except to the extent that ECCFPD cannot speak to the other fire protection agencies' activities and capabilities.

Response: Agree Score: +1

agrees with findings F1-F8 except to the extent that ECCFPD cannot speak to the other fire protection agencies' activities and capabilities.

Town of Moraga-Orinda Fire District

August 14, 2020 • 3 pages • 8 responses • Score: +6 (+6, 1, 0) View Details ▾

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8 responses to findings and recommendations

EBMUD’s response to the American Water Infrastructure Act is timely and conforms to all requirements of this Act.

Response: Agree Score: +1

F1. During a Red Flag Warning, fire districts and fire departments in Contra Costa County often deploy pre-positioned firefighting strike teams to maximize the ability to respond to wildfires. The Moraga-Orinda Fire District agrees with this finding.

EBMUD’s use of staff rather than an outside consultant for the Risk and Resilience Assessment complies with the American Water Infrastructure Act requirements.

Response: Agree Score: +1

F2. Fire districts and fire departments in Contra Costa County require property owners to perform weed abatement on their property to reduce the risk of fire spread. The Moraga-Orinda Fire District agrees with this finding.

EBMUD expects to reuse existing plans to comply with the American Water Infrastructure Act Emergency Response Plan. The Act does not discuss the reuse of existing plans, and the impact on EBMUD’s certification cannot be determined.

Response: Agree Score: +1

F3. Not all fire districts and fire departments in Contra Costa County use predetermined polygons and routing algorithms in their evacuation plans. The Moraga-Orinda Fire District agrees with this finding.

EBMUD’s public security notice on its website does not include a discussion about previous risk assessments.

Response: Agree Score: +1

F4. Fire districts and fire departments in Contra Costa County recommend that residents comply with law enforcement's orders to evacuate during an emergency. The Moraga-Orinda Fire District agrees with this finding.

EBMUD’s public security notice on its website does not discuss the American Water Infrastructure Act requirements, or how EBMUD intends to comply with this Act.

Response: Agree Score: +1

F5. Not all fire districts and fire departments in Contra Costa County use new technologies, such as ground sensors, drones, satellites, and fire spotting cameras, for early detection of fires. The Moraga-Orinda Fire District agrees with this finding.

CCWD's response to the American Water Infrastructure Act is timely and conforms to all requirements of this Act.

Response: Agree Score: +1

F7. Fire districts and fire departments in Contra Costa County are not always informed by PG&E when the utility is performing non-emergency maintenance work that presents a high fire risk during a Red Flag Warning. The Moraga-Orinda Fire District agrees with this finding.

CCWD’s use of staff and an outside consultant for the Risk and Resilience Assessment complies with the American Water Infrastructure Act requirements.

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

F8. An ordinance passed by the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District, requiring PG&E to give advance notice of non-emergency maintenance work that presents a high fire risk, enables the fire district to pre-position a team at the utility worksite and recover labor and equipment costs. The Moraga-Orinda Fire District partially disagrees with this finding. This item is the subject of current litigation brought against San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District by PG&E. While MOFD agrees with the intent, the district intends to monitor the situation pending the resolution of legal challenges. ...

CCWD’s designated Risk and Resilience Assessment & Emergency Response Plan team received specific, relevant training in the areas specified under Section 2013 of the American Water Infrastructure Act.

Response: Unknown Score: 0

F9 does not pertain to MOFD:

Rodeo-Hercules Fire Protection District

August 12, 2020 • 3 pages • 3 responses • Score: 0 (+0, 3, 0) View Details ▾

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3 responses to findings and recommendations

Response: Implemented

Score: 0

The recommendation has not yet been implemented but is scheduled to be implemented in 2021. Together, the Contra Costa County Fire Chiefs Association supported a grant application to provide funding for the procurement and implementation of a software program that will provide a uniform evacuation planning platform. The $300,000 grant was approved in late 2019 with funding to be available in late 2020. Procurement is expected to commence in late 2020 with implementation scheduled in mid-2021. The software will satisfy the recommendation included in this report. R2. The Board of Directors of Co...

Response: Implemented

Score: 0

This recommendation has been implemented (partially) and also requires more analysis in some cases. The fire agencies within Contra Costa County have been working individually, and collectively, on researching or implementing many of the technologies referenced. The Contra Costa Regional Fire Communications Center (CCRFCC), has access to realtime satellite detection of fires. This information can then be disseminated to responding agencies and used in dispatching additional resources. A cameras network has been installed in Contra Costa County that can be accessed by the individual agencies li...

Response: Requires Analysis

Score: 0

This recommendation requires further analysis. It is unclear whether PG&E can be regulated by a local agency in a manner like the ordinance passed by the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District. This ordinance has been challenged in court by PG&E. Until a ruling has been passed down by the court this recommendation or implantation is not possible. The Rodeo-Hercules Fire Protection District Board of Directors reviewed and approved this response at their meeting on August 12, 2020. Sincerely, Bryan Craig FIRE CHIEF

San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District

August 27, 2020 • 3 pages • 1 response • Score: 0 (+0, 1, 0) View Details ▾

PDF

1 response to findings and recommendations

Response: Implemented

Score: 0

: The Board of Directors of Contra Costa County Fire Protection District, East Contra Costa Fire Protection District, Rodeo-Hercules Fire Protection District, and San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District should consider directing their Fire Chief to update wildfire evacuation plans and incorporate pre-determined polygons and advanced routing technology, by June 30, 2021. ~ - + <b>RESPONSE:</b> The recommendation has been implemented in part as the District is in the process of updating wildfire evacuation plans, and should be completed by June 30, 2021. <b>GRAND JURY RECOMMENDATION #2:</b> ...

No Responses Found 1

Government entities assigned to respond to this report. No response documents have been linked in our database.

Moraga/Orinda Fire Protection District Fire District