Incorporated in 1874, San Rafael is one of California’s oldest cities. With streets, sidewalks, bridges, storm drains, libraries and other public buildings constructed as San Rafael grew throughout the 20th Century, the aging infrastructure needs repair and improvements. For example, San Rafael has 331 miles of streets that require ongoing pothole repair and repaving. Failing … Continued
San Rafael strives to provide a safe, healthy, prosperous and livable environment in partnership with the community. Important priorities include safe neighborhoods, good schools and the strong sense of community.
Home hardening helps reduce fire risk by increasing your home’s resistance to heat, flames, and embers though the use of building materials and installation practices that help protect the vulnerable elements of your house. Several components of the home should be addressed, including the roof, gutters and eaves, vents, siding, windows and doors, and decks, … Continued
Fire prevention experts have identified zones (areas around your house) that should be improved to reduce fire risk. Zone 0: Immediate Zone (0-5ft from structure) Remove accumulated leaves, needles and dead vegetative growth from the roof, gutters, decks, porches, and stairways. All vegetation in this zone shall be well-irrigated and free from dead or dying … Continued
Clean roofs, gutters, and vents of dead leaves, pine needles, and debris. Enclose or cover gaps over 1/8 inch with metal mesh. This includes vents, eaves, and soffits. Screen or box in areas under patios and decks to prevent debris from accumulating. Remove anything stored underneath. Move combustible material away from exterior walls. Prevent ember … Continued
Detailed information about how to harden you home can be found at: https://www.firesafemarin.org/home-hardening
UC Marin Master Gardeners – http://marinmg.ucanr.edu Marin Chapter California Native Plant Society – http://cnpsmarin.org San Rafael is a Tree City – https://www.cityofsanrafael.org/san-rafael-tree-city/ Fire Smart Planting – http://firesafemarin.org/plants
Juniper Bamboo Acacia Italian Cypress Black Sage Chamise/Greasewood Chaparral Pea Giant Chinquapin Coyote Brush California Sagebrush Scrub Oak (brushy oaks) Bluegum Eucalyptus Gorse Pampas Grass French, Scotch, Portugeuse, and Spanish Brooms
Adequate spacing between vegetation and between combustible materials is crucial to reduce the spread of wildfires. There are two types of spacing to be aware of. 1. VERTICAL SPACING: Remove all tree branches at least 5 feet from the ground Shrubs can act as a fire ladder or bridge that spreads fire to trees so, … Continued
See https://www.firesafemarin.org/contractors for a list of contractors who’ve completed basic training in wildfire preparedness. Any licensed tree company or arborist should do fine for tree removals. We don’t typically recommend specific contractors, and have had good experiences with nearly every tree service you’ll find in the “yellow pages” or Google. Ensure that they are a … Continued
