Wildfire Resilience

Reducing wildfire risks has always been a high priority for the fire-prone Central Coast. There is a lot of emphasis on protecting the wildland/urban interface (WUI) areas where homes are at significant risk from fire originating in forests and wildland areas. However, climate-driven conditions have elevated fire risks well beyond the wildlands and into neighborhoods and downtown areas. 

CEC is working with key local organizations and agencies on fire resilience and readiness in the region to fill gaps in how we respond to and safeguard the community against the threat of wildfires and smoke, including:

• Urban neighborhoods often lack adequate information about and preparation for fast moving wildland fires

• There are not enough places for people to retreat to during disasters and extreme weather events

• Uncoordinated efforts cost livelihoods and resources while risking lives

• Non-inclusive planning practices don’t take advantage of the broad range of resources, wisdom, and solutions the community has to offer

• Equity is not always a top-line priority in action planning, communication, and distribution of resources

To address these gaps, agencies, organizations, and stakeholders must coordinate efforts so that resources and actions are equitably leveraged for the greatest community benefit. This requires collaborative and inclusive processes that engage, elevate, and empower diverse voices in prioritizing solutions.