BFSC recommendations for fire resistant, non-invasive plants for reforestation in the East Bay Hills.   After highly flammable, invasive trees and shrubs have been removed to mitigate wildfire risk, restoration with fire-resistant, non-invasive plants is needed to prevent erosion, support habitat, and limit the reappearance of invasive plant material. These plant materials have been determined by BFSC and several UC Berkeley departments to be particularly suitable.  These species are largely resistant to deer.  (link)

Abstracts and Excerpts from Studies Involving Eucalyptus and Wildfires.  BFSC group of experts regularly identify research papers and studies that highlight the danger of eucalyptus trees as a non-native invasive species and wildfire risk.  We welcome additional research that we can highlight by sending papers to our email address.  

This study reports the results of two years of fuel studies in blue gum eucalyptus stands. Fuel weights are related to stand densities, and the dynamics of fuel accumulation are investigated.   Techniques for managing fuel loads in eucalyptus stands are discussed.  Results of this study indicate that fuel buildup occurs very rapidly in unmanaged eucalyptus stands, and that to maintain low fuel levels, a fuel reduction program is essential. If prescribed fire is used, burning techniques that minimize air pollution must be used.

This video and accompanying presentation presents a a model for fire prevention designed to reduce fire risk, encourage healthy ecosystems, and reduce the financial burden on taxpayers.  Given the very serious drought conditions facing California, combined with longer and more serious wildfire seasons due to climate disruption, it’s more important than ever to prioritize fire prevention in our vegetation management strategies for the East Bay hills.

Article about the Tasmanian blue gum eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus), a tree California never knew until the 1850s, when seeds from Australia were planted, first as ornamentals, then mostly for timber and fuel. The California Invasive Plant Council (CAL-IPC) classifies blue gum eucalyptus as a “moderate” invasive because the trees need certain conditions to thrive. For the most part, they’re not a problem in the drier regions of Southern California or the Central Valley. But along the coast, where summer fog brings buckets of moisture, it’s a different story.

A balanced study from the National Park Service on the challenges that eucalyptus trees have brought since their introduction to California.  This publication discusses the environmental considerations associated with eucalyptus treatments, and to give examples of some of the different strategies that have been used, especially as NPS has increased their hazardous fuel programs to reduce the threat of wildfire and restore ecosystem health.

Berkeley Zoning Ordinance and General Plan Amendments Relating to Middle Housing

BFSC strongly urges the Mayor and City Council to exclude Berkeley’s Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones 2 and 3 (“Fire Zones”) from the proposed “Middle Housing” ordinance as the City’s own Fire Department has recommended in no uncertain terms.

2024 First Draft Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP)

BFSC provided comments on the City of Berkeley's 2024 First Draft Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (link) (LHMP).  The federal Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (DMA 2000) calls for all communities to prepare mitigation plans every five years.  The City adopted a plan that met the requirements of DMA 2000 on June 22, 2004, and an update in December 2014 and 2019. We provided feedback on the 2024 update.

BFSC works closely with the City of Berkeley Fire Department and supports their FireSafe Berkeley initiative

The Oakland Firesafe Council is a grassroots community-based organization dedicated to mobilizing the people of Oakland and Alameda County to reduce the risks of wildfire danger to people and property through outreach, programs, and projects

Fire Safe Marin is rrecognized as a leader in wildfire education, and serving as the official outreach arm of the Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority.  

The national Firewise USA® recognition program provides a collaborative framework to help neighbors in a geographic area get organized, find direction, and take action to increase the ignition resistance of their homes and community and to reduce wildfire risks at the local level. 

Here is a list of Firewise communities in Berkeley

West Contra Costa Fire Safe Council (WCCFSC) was established in 2022 to provide education, exchange information and foster wildfire prevention and fire safety within the County of Contra Costa.

The Claremont Canyon Conservancy is a catalyst for the long-term protection and restoration of the canyon's natural environment and an advocate for comprehensive fire safety along its wildland/urban interface.

The California Fire Safe Council (CFSC), a California non-profit corporation, was first formed as a project of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), bringing together community leaders, governmental agencies, and corporations to provide education to the residents of California on the dangers of wildfires and how they could be prevented

Serving Alameda and Contra Costa Counties, the DFSC helps communities prepare for, prevent, and reduce the impact of wildland fires.

Advises the City Council on all matters affecting fire safety and/or disaster resilience within Berkeley.  Serves as the citizens’ oversight committee for expenditure of the proceeds of the Special Tax to Fund Fire Protection and Emergency Response and Preparedness.

The Berkeley Fire Department is proud to sponsor the a Berkeley Chipping Program, providing for the curbside pickup, chipping, and disposal of vegetation material from residential properties.  Sign up here:  chipperday.com/berkeley

The Berkeley Wildfire Guide is a collaboration between Berkeleyside and The Oaklandside. The guide first published on July 29, 2021, and last updated on June 7, 2022, is an excellent reference for Berkeley and Oakland residents.

BFSC maintains an inventory of tree care, landscapers, and home hardening contractors for Berkeley residents to contact for mitigating wildfire danger

Berkeley Disaster Preparedness Neighborhood Network Volunteer organization formed by neighborhood leaders to address the gap between the training and support capabilities of the City of Berkeley and the needs of neighborhoods preparing for disasters.