Carmel River Watershed Prepares for Wildfire Season

River Fire near Salinas, August 2021, via the Monterey Herald

We have already seen an early start to fire season throughout California due to ongoing drought and historically low rainfall. Recent data shows January, February, and March were the driest first three months of the year in California history. These conditions have prompted CAL FIRE to suspend all burn permits in Monterey and Santa Cruz counties. It is imperative to take the necessary precautions to protect ourselves and others from the threat of wildfire.

On June 1st, the Monterey Fire Department began conducting wildland fire safety inspections for all properties within Monterey, Pacific Grove, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and Seaside. It is recommended that residents are proactive in maintaining the defensible space around their properties. For full information regarding defensible spaces, refer to the county guidelines. After inspections are complete, you can check the status of your property through the City of Monterey’s fire defensible space map. 

Monterey County recently added it’s 17th Firewise USA® community, Hacienda Carmel Community Association, located in Carmel-by-the-Sea. The Firewise Communities / USA Recognition Program “teaches people living within the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) how to adapt to living with wildfire by preparing for a fire before it occurs” (Firewise USA). Many of the communities within the county are located within high to very high fire hazard severity zones. There are currently insurance companies within California offering discounts for Firewise USA® communities who have taken the necessary precautions to prepare for the threat of wildfire. To learn more about how to become a Firewise community and the resources available, visit the National Fire Association webpage, or Fire Safe Council for Monterey County. 
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Other ongoing wildfire management efforts include grant proposals from the Resource Conservation District for Monterey County (RDC) for fuel maintenance and fuel break work in Carmel Valley, and a join proposal from the RDC, CRWC and the Fire Safe Council for Monterey County to increase education and outreach, vegetation mapping, prescribed burning and other efforts in the Carmel River watershed and greater County area.

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