What Does Success Look Like in the Face of Wildfire?
The 2024 fire season is shaping up to be a challenging one. With the number of fire starts and acres burned already reminiscent of the intense seasons we saw in 2015 and 2018, it’s clear that this year will not be as quiet as the last two. While there is still much to learn about what makes a fire season particularly active, we have made significant strides in mitigating the impacts of wildfires once they begin. We've come a long way since the days of the Rim Fire in 2013 and the Valley Fire in 2015, with a focus on preventing these devastating megafires from gaining a foothold in the first place.
As we brace for what is likely to be a busy fire season, it’s important to reflect on our achievements in building a fire-resilient landscape and redefine what “success” truly means.
Evolving Firefighting Strategies
The science and strategy behind firefighting have evolved significantly. CAL FIRE has introduced several key programs and technological advancements to reduce the impact of wildfires.
- AlertCalifornia Partnership: This initiative uses AI to leverage a growing network of wildfire alert cameras that automatically detect smoke and notify first responders—often before the fire is reported by the public. This system provides 24/7 coverage, replacing the traditional reliance on human observers in fire lookout towers.
- Real-Time Intelligence and Modeling: A revolution in remote sensing has occurred with the introduction of CAL FIRE's Incident Awareness and Assessment aircraft. These planes deliver real-time data and near real-time mapping to incident commanders on the ground, supporting critical decisions on everything from retardant drops and fire line construction to evacuation orders and resource allocation.
On Saturday, August 10, the Chinook Fire started in the Kelseyville Riviera and drew an immediate heavy response from CAL FIRE, including multiple aircraft, engines, and hand crews. The fire was contained within 20 minutes and almost completely extinguished within an hour. The structure fire was surrounded by fuel reduction projects implemented by CLERC, including the Konocti Interface Fuel Break and the Community Chipping Program.
Investment in Mitigation
Firefighters are supported by ongoing investments in mitigation efforts, including vegetation management projects led by the Clear Lake Environmental Research Center (CLERC) and our partners. A recent success story, highlighted by CAL FIRE, demonstrates the impact of these efforts.
On July 27, 2024, a roadside vegetation fire started along Pt. Lakeview Road near Baylis Cove Road in the Kelseyville Riviera Area. This road, a crucial evacuation corridor, had been the focus of enhanced fuels reduction, thanks to a grant secured by the Konocti Fire Safe Council through the California Fire Safe Council. The grant funded the purchase of a masticator head and enabled the County to reduce heavy roadside vegetation. As a result, the fire, which could have rapidly escalated, was contained to a mere 10x10 feet before being extinguished.
This outcome is a testament to the success of proactive mitigation. The fire intensity was minimal because of the prior vegetation reduction efforts.
The Path to Success
How did this project come to fruition? It began with a concerned citizen who played a key role in establishing the Konocti Fire Safe Council, with the goal of enhancing fire resilience along an evacuation corridor near Mt. Konocti. Supported by the newly formed fire safe council, this individual identified a grant opportunity through the California Fire Safe Council, funded in partnership with CAL FIRE. Since this particular grant program was open only to counties, the County of Lake collaborated with the Konocti Fire Safe Council to submit a successful proposal. The proposal included the purchase of a masticator for roadside brush control, the removal of 80-100 hazardous trees, and the development of an evacuation plan for the Soda Bay Corridor, which serves thousands of residents around Mt. Konocti.
With the support of CLERC, the project’s components were completed just in time for the 2024 fire season. A fire that could have become a devastating megafire was contained to just 100 square feet.
Redefining Success
So, what does success look like? It’s the result of a collective effort—a community coming together to do everything possible to get “boots on the ground.” Success is a fire that starts but doesn’t make headlines or appear on Watch Duty. It’s a fire that’s controlled within an hour or two—a fire you never hear about.
In the face of an active fire season, success is about preparation, swift response, and the strength of community collaboration. It’s about preventing the next megafire and ensuring that our landscape remains resilient for the future.