Map Critical Infrastructure and High Fire Risk Residential Areas for Vegetation Management & Targeted Education

Much of the City of Lompoc is only at moderate risk of wildfire with the river bed and surrounding hillside areas along Hwy I at greatest risk. This makes targeting home hardening and defensible space fire resilience education difficult. The Lompoc Fire Chief Fire would like to have fire risk vegetation mapping conducted to accomplish two goals -- to better target education to fire-vulnerable residents and to identify where vegetation clearance is needed to protect the city's critical infrastructure. By identifying the parts of the city (or adjacent areas that could reach the city) at higher risk for wildfire ignition and spread, they will be able to more directly target homeowner education related to home hardening, vegetation mgmt. and other wildfire resilience related practices. Mapping of critical infrastructure to identify where vegetation clearance is most needed would assist in prioritizing the city's work to protect water supply, bridges and other key elements. This mapping data would also support the goals of their Safety Element update of the General Plan. Currently the City only has a weed abatement program to eliminate vegetative fuels as much as possible, but no real educational pieces or Ready Set Go programs.

Scope: Develop a mapping plan and seek/advocate for funding to complete.

Status: Conceptual

Cost: High cost

Partners: Lompoc Fire Department, Santa Barbara Fire Safe Council (SBFSC), and City of Lompoc Planning Department.