Earlier this month the San Mateo-Santa Cruz Unit of CalFire released an updated fire hazard severity zone map for areas that are under state responsibility. (A map for other jurisdictions should be finalized early next year.) Of particular interest to Coastsiders might be the map's representation of the land surrounding the incorporated areas of Half Moon Bay and Moss Beach. Almost all of it, from Pedro Point to areas east of downtown Half Moon Bay, is colored in bright red for "Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone."
Moreover, there isn't much gradation from incorporated areas to the wildland surrounding them.
 CalFire has released an updated map showing the fire danger on the coast. Areas in red are considered highly hazardous. |
Ferreira said that these maps, which represent the first update since their introduction more than 20 years ago, relied heavily on computer modeling and increased technology.
Although the new San Mateo County map can be referenced in a general way to understand lands that rate high for wildland fires, Ferreira said their specific application will be much more exact.
"All this map means is that people who build in these areas have to build to higher standards," he said. "The red area has to have the highest standard fire-resistant roof."
But what if that big fire comes sweeping down the mountain? The American Red Cross Bay Area Chapter wants residents to be ready.
The group has launched an aggressive new campaign called "Prepare Bay Area" to direct people to its Web site, www.redcrossbayarea.org, and to inspire 1 million residents to build disaster kits. A recent press release notes, "Current weather conditions are ... the same as those preceding the Oakland Hills fire in 1991."
"If people know what to do without thinking about it, they have a much better chance of being better off," said local Red Cross volunteer Chris Orman.
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