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Attachment 2March 5, 2018 Dear Property Owner The wildfires that raced across California in 2017 caused historic levels of death and destruction. It was the worst fire season in our history. The outcome of these devastating wildfires left us with the largest loss of life (44 civilians/3 firefighters), the greatest number of acres burned (1,248,606), and the highest number of structures lost (over 10,000). Last year we had an abundance of rain and found our reservoirs filled to capacity. Unfortunately, one rainy season cannot cure the effects of 5 years of drought. Our forested landscape in the Santa Cruz Mountains remains at risk with an abundance of dead and unhealthy vegetation. To sustain a fire resilient community, we must depend on homeowners like you to take action in protecting your property from a wildfire. Your efforts play a huge role in keeping not only your property safe, but the community safe. It's in everyone's best interest! Home survival is dependent on a coupled approach, which includes both defensible space (vegetation selection and management, and location of other combustible materials on the property) and the home's construction (materials and design features). You cannot sufficiently harden your home/building if you have poor defensible space, as the wildfire can burn directly to it. Similarly, if you have great defensible space, but your building features are vulnerable to firebrands, you could still lose your home as wind-blown embers may by-pass your defensible space. Your property is located in the Wildland Urban Interface Area (WUI) and requires 30 feet of defensible space (or to the property line) from all structures. Defensible space is the buffer created around a structure where combustible vegetation's been cleared, reduced or replaced. Creating and maintaining this space, improves your home's chances of surviving a wildfire. Wildfires don't have to be outside your front door for your property to be at risk. Airborne firebrands from a wildfire can easily travel a mile and can become a significant threat to your home/structure or other combustible fuels on your property. To help protect your property from wildfire damage, please visit IBHS Research Center's extensive testing and investigation of the impacts wildfires have on building materials. https://disastersafety.org/wildfire/ Enforced Safety Regulations (Items A-F) A. Create 30 feet of Defensible Space around your home. To accomplish this, you must clear all flammable vegetation a minimum of 30 feet around structures. B. Clear ornamental shrubs and trees of dead leaves and branches. C. Remove all pine needles and leaves from roofs, eaves and rain gutters. D. Trim tree limbs 10 feet from chimneys & stove pipes; remove dead limbs hanging over rooftops. E. Cover chimney outlets or flues with a 1/2" mesh spark arrester. F. Post a clearly visible house address, using at least 4" high numbers, for easy identification. Additional Safety Recommendations • Create a noncombustible area a minimum of 5 feet from structures. • Clear 10 feet around and 15 feet above fuels (e.g. woodpiles, lumber, scrap, etc.) Move woodpiles as far away as possible from structures. • Clear vegetation and other flammable material from underneath decks. Enclose elevated decks with fire -resistive materials. • Trees 18-feet or taller should be limbed up 6-feet from the ground. Provide additional vertical clearance when trees have vegetation beneath it. • If you have any trees near power lines, please contact PG&E at 1-800-PGE-5000 for a free inspection. State Law requires vegetation clearance from electrical lines. For more information, please visit www.PGE.com. In most cases PG&E will trim or remove the tree at no cost to you. • The Santa Clara County Fire Safe Council offers Defensible Space Chipping Programs to assist homeowners, including special programs for qualified low-income, seniors and disabled homeowners. For more information visit www.sccfiresafe.orq. For ornamental shrubs and bushes adjacent to your home, we recommend planting a fire -retardant variety. If there is a possibility that erosion may occur, any native vegetation that is removed should be replaced with fire -retardant vegetation. Please complete and return the enclosed postcard on or before April 9, 2018. Beginning the second week of April, County Fire personnel will conduct inspections to advise property owners who have not implemented the fire hazard abatement measures what work is necessary in order to be in compliance with the applicable regulations. If you are unable to complete the required work due to late season rains or other hardship, please contact our office as soon as possible. You may complete the brush clearance work yourself, hire your own contractor, or request to schedule our authorized contractor to perform the work. If you would like this service, please check the appropriate box on the postcard or call (408) 378-4010 prior to April 9, 2018. If you choose this option, the charges for this work will appear on your next property tax bill. Please Note: Follow-up inspections will be conducted starting June 1, 2018 of properties that did not have the Enforced Safety Regulations implemented at the time of the first inspection. If you do not comply with items A, B, C and D of the Enforced Safety Regulations, the compliance work will be completed by the authorized contractor of the Town of Los Gatos and the charges for this service will appear on your next property tax bill. If you would like to schedule a courtesy inspection with one of our inspectors or have questions regarding the safety compliance of your property, please contact our Fire Prevention Division at (408) 378-4010 or 1-800-800-1793. Thank you for your cooperation in helping to establish a fire -safe community. Sincerely, John Justice Deputy Chief Fire Prevention March 5, 2018 Dear Property Owner The wildfires that raced across California in 2017 caused historic levels of death and destruction. It was the worst fire season in our history. The outcome of these devastating wildfires left us with the largest Toss of life (44 civilians/3 firefighters), the greatest number of acres burned (1,248,606), and the highest number of structures lost (over 10,000). Last year we had an abundance of rain and found our reservoirs filled to capacity. Unfortunately, one rainy season cannot cure the effects of 5 years of drought. Our forested landscape in the Santa Cruz Mountains remains at risk with an abundance of dead and unhealthy vegetation. To sustain a fire resilient community, we must depend on homeowners like you to take action in protecting your property from a wildfire. Your efforts play a huge role in keeping not only your property safe, but the community safe. It's in everyone's best interest! Home survival is dependent on a coupled approach, which includes both defensible space (vegetation selection and management, and location of other combustible materials on the property) and the home's construction (materials and design features). You cannot sufficiently harden your home/building if you have poor defensible space, as the wildfire can burn directly to it. Similarly, if you have great defensible space, but your building features are vulnerable to firebrands, you could still lose your home as wind-blown embers may by-pass your defensible space. Your property is located in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone and requires 100 feet of defensible space (or to the property line) from all structures. Defensible space is the buffer created around a structure where combustible vegetation's been cleared, reduced or replaced. Creating and maintaining this space, improves your home's chances of surviving a wildfire. Wildfires don't have to be outside your front door for your property to be at risk. Airborne firebrands from a wildfire can easily travel a mile and can become a significant threat to your home/structure or other combustible fuels on your property. To help protect your property from wildfire damage, please visit IBHS Research Center's extensive testing and investigation of the impacts wildfires have on building materials. https://disastersafety.org/wildfire/ Enforced Safety Regulations (Items A-F) A. Create 100 feet of Defensible Space around your home. To accomplish this, create a Green Zone by clearing all flammable vegetation 30 feet around structures. Additionally, create a Reduced Fuel Zone for the remaining 70 feet or to your property line. B. Clear ornamental shrubs and trees of dead leaves and branches. C. Remove all pine needles and leaves from roofs, eaves and rain gutters. D. Trim tree limbs 10 feet from chimneys & stove pipes; remove dead limbs hanging over rooftops. E. Cover chimney outlets or flues with a 1/2" mesh spark arrester. F. Post a clearly visible house address, using at least 4" high numbers, for easy identification. Additional Safety Recommendations • Create a noncombustible area a minimum of 5 feet from structures. • Clear 10 feet around and 15 feet above fuels (e.g. woodpiles, lumber, scrap, etc.) Move woodpiles as far away as possible from structures. • Clear vegetation and other flammable material from underneath decks. Enclose elevated decks with fire -resistive materials. • Trees 18-feet or taller should be limbed up 6-feet from the ground. Provide additional vertical clearance when trees have vegetation beneath it. • If you have any trees near power lines, please contact PG&E at 1-800-PGE-5000 for a free inspection. State Law requires vegetation clearance from electrical lines. For more information, please visit www.PGE.com. In most cases PG&E will trim or remove the tree at no cost to you. • The Santa Clara County Fire Safe Council offers Defensible Space Chipping Programs to assist homeowners, including special programs for qualified low-income, seniors and disabled homeowners. For more information visit www.sccfiresafe.orq. For ornamental shrubs and bushes adjacent to your home, we recommend planting a fire -retardant variety. If there is a possibility that erosion may occur, any native vegetation that is removed should be replaced with fire -retardant vegetation. Please complete and return the enclosed postcard on or before April 9, 2018. Beginning the second week of April, County Fire personnel will conduct inspections to advise property owners who have not implemented the fire hazard abatement measures what work is necessary in order to be in compliance with the applicable regulations. If you are unable to complete the required work due to late season rains or other hardship, please contact our office as soon as possible. You may complete the brush clearance work yourself, hire your own contractor, or request to schedule our authorized contractor to perform the work. If you would like this service, please check the appropriate box on the postcard or call (408) 378-4010 prior to April 9, 2018. If you choose this option, the charges for this work will appear on your next property tax bill. Please Note: Follow-up inspections will be conducted starting June 1, 2018 of properties that did not have the Enforced Safety Regulations implemented at the time of the first inspection. If you do not comply with items A, B, C and D of the Enforced Safety Regulations, the compliance work will be completed by the authorized contractor of the Town of Los Gatos and the charges for this service will appear on your next property tax bill. If you would like to schedule a courtesy inspection with one of our inspectors or have questions regarding the safety compliance of your property, please contact our Fire Prevention Division at (408) 378-4010 or 1-800-800-1793. Thank you for your cooperation in helping to establish a fire -safe community. Sincerely, John Justice Deputy Chief Fire Prevention PLEASE COMPLETE AND RETURN In reply to the letter I received concerning the clearance of hazardous vegetation from structures, please be advised: I have checked my property for hazardous brush/vegetation clearance and believe that it's in conformance with Fire Code regulations. I understand that an inspection of my property may be conducted for verification of compliance. I am no longer the owner of this property. There are no structures on this property. I will remove the hazardous brush/vegetetation from around the structure in accordance with Fire Code regulations no later than 01 June 2018. I understand if not completed, the authorized contractor may enter the property and abate the hazardous brush/vegetation, with all charges being placed as a special assessment against the property. I authorize the designated contractor to enter the property and abate the hazardous brush/ vegetation to conform with Fire Code regulations. I understand that charges for such work will be placed as a special assessment against the property. I am uncertain as to what abatement work is necessary. I would like an inspection from Santa Clara County Fire Department personnel advising me what work is needed to comply with Fire Code regulations. Signature: Date: Day Phone: PLACE STAMP HERE ATTN: FIRE PREVENTION SANTA CLARA COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT 14700 WINCHESTER BLVD. LOS GATOS CA 95032-1818 CREATE YOUR WILDFIRE ACTION PLAN Make your plan familiar to all household members. Be prepared and be ready! BE PREPARED: Choose a designated emergency meeting place outside the hazard area. This is critical to know who is out safe. Am 0 10.11110 �AFM TO EVACUATE WOKE NIKK IRE STRIKES. Know and practice different escape routes from your home and community. Create an evacuation plan for pets and large animals (horses, livestock, etc.). Build your family communication plan that designates an out -of -area friend or relative as a single point of contact in case of separation. BE READY: • Know how to shut off the gas, electrical, and water supply. • Assemble a family emergency supplies kit. • Maintain a list of emergency contact telephone numbers. • Keep an extra emergency supplies kit in your vehicle. • Always maintain at (east a half tank of gas in vehicles. Tell your neighbors about Ready, Set, Go! and your Wildfire Action Plan. www.readyforwildfire.org Download the Application .,w r►� ASSEMBLE A PORTABLE 41IP„. EMERGENCY SUPPLIES KIT �l • Three-day supply of non-perishable food and three gallons of water per person. ./ Extra prescriptions or medications. Change of clothing, extra eyeglasses or contacts. • Extra set of car keys, credit cards, cash or travelers checks. ,/ First aid kit, flashlight and weather radio. • Copies of important documents (birth certificates, passports, etc.). ./ Don't forget pet carriers, food and water. • Keep a sturdy pair of shoes and flashlight near your bed in case of a sudden evacuation at night. For more information, visit: www.ready.gov DEAD TREE REMOVAL LOS ALTOS HILLS COUNTY FIRE DISTRICT • Dead or dying tree removal service is free for LAHCFD residents (Los Altos Hills and the connected unincorporated areas). • LAHCFD's designated arborist approves tree removal requests, including Oak and Eucalyptus, and a designated tree company performs the work. • To sign up, visit www.Iahcfd.org For more information, call 650.949.1044 SARATOGA FIRE DISTRICT • Tree location must be in Saratoga's Wildland Urban Interface. • Application available at www.saratogafire.org For more information, ca11408.86Z9001 rev2.22.18 WILDLAN URBAN INTERFA (WU Santa Clara County Fire Department Proudly serving Campbell, Cupertino, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Los Gatos, Monte Sereno, Saratoga and the unincorporated surrounding areas 408.378.4010 • www.sccfd.org ENFORCED SAFETY REGULATIONS VERY HIGH FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY WUI ZONES: Cupertino, Los Gatos, Monte Sereno, Saratoga and all unincorporated County areas in State Responsibility Areas: A Create 100 feet of defensible space around your home.To accomplish this, create a Green Zone by clearing all flammable vegetation 30 feet around structures. Additionally, create a reduced fuel zone for the remaining 70 feet or to your property line. B Clear dead leaves and branches from shrubs and trees. C Remove pine needles and leaves from roof, eaves and rain gutters. D Trim tree limbs 10 ft. from chimney or stovepipe and remove dead limbs that hang over rooftops. E Cover chimney outlets or flues with a 1 /2" mesh spark arrestor. F Ensure address numbers are at least 4"tall and clearly visible from street. For homes located more then 50 feet from street, post address numbers at the driveway entrance. Download brochures and information to get your home prepared. www.readyforwildfire.org Fire hazard severity zones are determined by CAL FIRE's Fire Resource Assessment Program (FRAP). h t tp://fra p. fi re. ca. g o w Defensible space helps protect the lives of firefighters and will prepare your home to better survive a wildfire. www.calfire.ca.gov ENFORCED SAFETY REGULATIONS HIGH or MODERATE FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONES: Cupertino, Los Altos Hills, Los Gatos, Monte Sereno and Saratoga: A Create 30 feet of defensible space around your home. To accomplish this, you must clear all flammable vegetation a minimum of 30 feet around structures. B Clear dead leaves and branches from shrubs and trees. C Remove pine needles and leaves from roof, eaves and rain gutters. D Trim tree limbs 10 ft. from chimneys or stove pipes, and remove dead limbs that hang over rooftops. E Cover chimney outlet or flue with a 1/2" mesh spark arrestor. F Ensure address numbers are at least 4"tall and clearly visible from street. For homes located more then 50 feet from street, post address numbers at the driveway entrance. ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS • Create a noncombustible area a minimum of 5 ft. from structures. • Clear 10 ft. around and 15 ft. above fuels (e.g., woodpiles, lumber, scrap, etc.). Store woodpiles away from structures. • Clear vegetation and other flammable material from underneath decks. Enclose elevated decks with fire-resistant materials. • Trees 18 ft. or taller should be limbed up 6 ft. from the ground. • Provide additional vertical clearance under trees when vegetation becomes overgrown. SANTA CLARA COUNTY FIRE SAFE COUNCIL Santa Clara County Fire Safe Council offers chipping and tree removal services. Chipping Requirements: • Piles must be placed within 5 ft. of road or driveway with sufficient access space. • Piles must be on the uphill side of the road or driveway. • Piles must be free of roots, stumps, rocks, mud, poison oak, blackberry and vines. • Piles must be stacked by hand with all cut ends facing the same direction toward the access route. • Tractor or front loader stacked piles cannot be chipped. • All material chipped will be blown back onto the property. Chips can be used as mulch. For information on chipping or tree removal: www.sccfiresafe.org • 408.975.9591 PG&E SERVICES PG&E's qualified tree contractors may be able to prune or remove trees near high voltage lines. Report dead, dying or diseased trees near power lines. Contact PG&E for FREE inspection: www.pge.com • 800.PGE.5000