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Extracted from Consolidated Report

This investigation was originally published as part of a larger consolidated report containing multiple investigations. View the consolidated PDF for the complete document.

Mendocino County Grand Jury • 2002-2003

Dangerous Fire Hazards in Brooktrails?

2 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 6 findings

F1 Page 50

One board member and others in the community indicated Brooktrails is dangerously like the Oakland hills and that a similar fire would be equally devastating.

F2 Page 50

Building plans now require off-street parking before Brooktrails Architecture Committee approves the plans.

F3 Page 50

In observing the many parked cars and vehicles, The Grand Jury found that they may constitute a safety hazard and are in non-compliance with Brooktrails Township parking ordinance. Mendocino County Codes Sec. §15.28.010 and Sec. §20.180.010

F4 Page 50

Brooktrails has a good fire abatement program.

F5 Page 50

None of the seventeen complainants took time to attend a Board meeting where the subject of their concern was on the agenda.

F6 Page 50

Uniform Fire Code Sec. §10.205 Obstruction states “The Required width of a fire apparatus access road shall not obstruct in any manner, including parking of vechicles. Minimum required widths and clearances established under this section shall be maintained at all times.” 50

Recommendations 2

R1
Page 51

If enough people want the vehicles cleared, they must participate in their political process by attending Board Meetings and pressure the Brooktrails Township Board of Directors to enforce the ordinances. One person or the Grand Jury cannot do this for them. 2. Congestion, caused by parking vehicles, which obstructs emergency vehicles, endangers all residents of Brooktrails. It appears that no responsible agency or body wants to tackle this critical issue. Our recommendation is that the Brooktrails Township Board of Directors takes a leadership role to meet with all other enforcement agencies to resolve this issue.
R2
Page 50

Congestion, caused by parking vehicles, which obstructs emergency vehicles, endangers all residents of Brooktrails. It appears that no responsible agency or body wants to tackle this critical issue. Our recommendation is that the Brooktrails Township Board of Directors takes a leadership role to meet with all other enforcement agencies to resolve this issue. Conclusion According to the professional judgment of the Fire Chief, Brooktrails manager, peace officers, and the majority of other political and safety officials, the parked and or abandoned cars, boats, and motor homes would not significantly interfere with fire fighting equipment and pose no danger to fire safety in Brooktrails. Response Required Board of Supervisors Brooktrails Township Board of Directors Brooktrails Fire Chief Brooktrails Manager County Sheriff Response Requested California Highway Patrol 51