Prompted by the Los Angeles wildfire disaster, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to purchase a twin-engine helicopter and more water tenders.
The board took action on several agenda items, including promoting more innovative brush management techniques, after hearing from Jeff Toney, director of the county Office of Emergency Services, and Tony Mecham, unit chief for Cal Fire San Diego, along with officials from the county sheriff’s office and other members of the Public Safety Group.
Board Vice Chair Terra Lawson-Remer said county efforts are about “protecting every corner of San Diego County – from urban neighborhoods to rural communities impacted by wildfires. These investments will make our county safer, stronger and more resilient.”
The helicopter has an $18 million price tag, which will be funded in part by a $3.75 million grant from the U.S. Forest Service. The remaining $14.25 million will be included in upcoming budget deliberations “to identify a one-time funding source,” according to county documents.
Water tenders are basically tankers with a capacity of 3,000 gallons. They cost $975,000 each, along with $750,000 for three full-time Cal Fire personnel to staff them. Funding for those requests also will be considered during budget talks.
Supervisors discussed a number of options before approving them, including clearing vegetation on county properties, and other ways to lessen wildfire risks, such as livestock grazing.
Supervisor Jim Desmond, who proposed purchasing the firefighting equipment, acknowledged that a new helicopter doesn’t come cheap. However, given the massive cost to rebuild Southern California communities, “if we can spend millions to save billions, I think that’s a better effort,” he said.
The supervisors also received updates on emergency response procedures, actions to increase inter- and intra-agency cooperation, strategies to reach the public and the resources needed to bolster those efforts.
“I know for the constituents I represent, the county’s continued focus on fire and emergency preparedness is critical,” Supervisor Joel Anderson said in a statement after the meeting. “I remain committed to ensuring our county is adequately protected.”
Before the meeting, Desmond held a news conference outside the County Administration Center calling for the board to approve the fire-safety measures.
Other actions include conducting a review of open spaces, reservoirs and water infrastructure and addressing insurance challenges for county residents, as firms continue to increase rates or pull out of the Golden State altogether due to wildfire risks.
Joining Desmond were Chief Keith McReynolds of the North County Fire Protection District, Chief John Tenger of the Escondido Fire Department and Chief Joe Napier of the Valley Center Fire Protection District.
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