Reduce backcountry fire hazards

It’s easier to prevent wildfires than to control them once they’ve started. That’s why I introduced Assembly Bill 19, which will provide $25 million for vegetation management along county-maintained roads.

Auto-related wildfires are a major problem in California. In 2016 and 2017, almost 25% of local wildfires were vehicle-related. The Carr Fire, the state’s seventh largest, began when sparks from a flat tire ignited brush along a highway in Northern California. The fire killed eight people, burned over 200,000 acres, destroyed more than 1,500 structures, and cost over $1.6 billion.

We can prevent many of these fires by eliminating the fuel source. AB 19 will establish a general fund grant program to help county road maintenance departments and local fire districts in high Fire Hazard Severity Zones purchase vegetation management equipment to mow brush along county-maintained highways.

Brush clearing along roads can also prevent the deaths of motorists attempting to flee during fire emergencies. According to North County Fire Protection District Chief Stephen Abbott, who recently testified in favor of AB 19 before the Assembly Natural Resources Committee, San Diego County’s 2003 Cedar Fire resulted in 13 deaths, mostly motorists trapped in their cars as they tried to escape the flames along the roadway.

AB 19 is supported by the California Fire Chiefs Association, Rural County Representatives of California, the City of San Marcos, San Diego County Fire Districts Association, North County Fire Protection District, Rincon Fire Department, Valley Center Fire Protection District and many others. AB 19 passed the Natural Resources Committee unanimously, Jan. 13, and will now be forwarded to the Appropriations Committee.

Future wildfires are certain, but many can be prevented and lives can be saved if we remove the combustible fuel source growing along our backcountry roadways.

Assembly Republican Leader Marie Waldron, R-Escondido, represents the 75th Assembly District in the California Legislature, which includes the communities of Bonsall, Escondido, Fallbrook, Hidden Meadows, Pala, Palomar Mountain, Pauma Valley, Rainbow, San Marcos, Temecula, Valley Center and Vista.