CHAPTER 10 – HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS - sacog

Wildfire prevention and suppression is a shared responsibility among federal, state, and local
agencies. Federal lands in Federal Responsibility Areas, are the responsibility of federal
agencies. Non-federal lands in unincorporated areas with watershed value are of statewide
interest and are classified as State Responsibility Areas, managed by CAL FIRE. All
incorporated areas and other unincorporated lands are classified as Local Responsibility Areas.
Wildland-Urban Interface Zones, areas within very high fire hazard risk zones, must comply
with specific building and vegetation management requirements intended to reduce potential
property damage, loss of life, and resources within these areas.
Urban Fires
Urban fires occur in developed areas and include structural, chemical, and vehicular-related
fires. Structural fires can result from mechanical failures, accidental occurrences, or arson. The
building materials used in various structures can limit or be a catalyst for the spread of structural
fires. Although structural fires can occur in any developed area, non-sprinklered commercial
buildings in downtown areas and dwelling units in lower socio-economic areas appear to be
more susceptible to fires, namely due to the age of the structures. Older structures are more
susceptible to fire because they were built under older building standards and fire codes, are
made from non-fire-resistive construction materials, and do not have internal sprinklers or other
fire safety systems.
Fire Protection Agencies
Fire suppression is the responsibility of various fire departments and districts, which often also
employ paramedics for emergency medical services. County fire departments provide fire
prevention/suppression and emergency services to the unincorporated areas of the six counties,
as well as those municipalities that contract for fire protection and emergency services. City fire
departments are more prevalent among older and/or larger municipalities. The locations of fire
stations are shown in Figure 10.8. Table 10.7 lists the local fire protection districts/departments
in the MTP/SCS plan area.
U.S. Forest Service
The U.S. Forest Service is responsible for fire prevention and suppression in the El Dorado
National Forest and those privately-owned lands within the forest boundaries.
National Indian Forestry and Wildland Fire Management Program
The National Indian Forestry and Wildland Fire Management Program is a cooperative effort of
the United States Department of the Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of the Deputy
Director - Trust Services, Division of Forestry and Wildland Fire Management, Intertribal
Timber Council, and individual Tribal governments on reservations that contain forest
resources. Additionally, many Tribal governments also operate their own fire protection districts
and fire departments.
MTP/SCS 2035
Sacramento Area Council of Governments
Draft Environmental Impact Report Chapter 10 – Hazards and Hazardous Materials – Page 10-31