Extreme Weather Needs Assessment for Amador and
Calaveras Counties
Presentation to:
Amador County Transportation Commission
February 13, 2020
ACTC’s strategy:
Utilize Fire Hazard Severity Zone map developed by CAL FIRE
Utilize FEMA’s THIRA/SPR (Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment / Stakeholder Preparedness Review) process:
Develop community/ neighborhoodlevel fire hazard assessment and evacuation route development
1. Understand extreme weather-related events that will occur with greater frequency and intensity in future years
2. Conduct vulnerability assessments
3. Develop method to prioritize projects that recognize climate change concerns and limited financial resources
Caltrans D10 Climate Change Vulnerability Report objectives:
FIRE THREAT
Potential Fire
Behavior
Surface Conditions• Vegetation
Type, Size and Density
• Ladder & Crown Fuels
• Slope
Weather• Wind• Temperature• Humidity
Fire History
Ignition Sources
Human Influences• Land Use• Buildings
FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY
ZONESProbability
of Fire Occurrence
FACTORS CONSIDERED BY CAL FIRE IN CREATING
FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONES
… and scored as to FIRE
BEHAVIOR that would lead to
building ignition.
ZONES of similar terrain, vegetation and fuel types were
created …
Butte Fire, 70,850 ac.
Irish Fire, 825 ac.
Waverly Fire, 11,750 ac.
Largest 3 fires since 2015
Assessing Fire Hazard in our Communities
Pine GroveWeighted FHSZ = 2.56Pop. = 2,219Area = 6.75 mi2
PioneerWeighted FHSZ = 3.00Pop. = 1,094Area = 4.00 mi2
Red CorralWeighted FHSZ = 3.00Pop. = 1,413Area = 5.18 mi2
VolcanoWeighted FHSZ = 2.80Pop. = 115Area = 1.42 mi2
BuckhornWeighted FHSZ = 2.91Pop. = 2,429Area = 5.74 mi2
Improving Evacuation Routes in our CommunitiesA collaboration between ACTC, AFSC, CAL FIRE, Amador OES and AFPD