Town officials in Orinda and Moraga are contemplating a stricter wildfire ordinance, causing a sense of apprehension among them.
In the wildfire-prone areas of Orinda and Moraga, California, homeowners are facing an insurance crisis as many are struggling to renew their fire insurance due to the high wildfire risk. In response, the cities are considering passing one of the most aggressive fire prevention ordinances in the Bay Area [1].
The proposed ordinance aims to enhance fire safety by implementing fire-resistant practices and measures for homeowners. This includes creating an "ember-free" zone around every home through the use of ornamental hedges, landscaping, and trees [1]. Homeowners may be required or encouraged to clear flammable vegetation, use fire-resistant building materials, and comply with new fire safety guidelines [1]. They may also be asked to participate in community fire safety assessments or neighborhood fire prevention initiatives.
The ordinance is a response to the high wildfire risk in the area and aligns with efforts related to the Firewise USA program, which focuses on home hardening, fire-safe landscaping, and neighborhood cooperation to create a more fire-resistant environment [1]. While the Moraga-Orinda Fire Protection District provides code enforcement services related to fire safety, specific ordinance details such as enforcement mechanisms or penalties are managed by local authorities and the Fire District [2][3].
Implementing the new measure is expected to be challenging, with Moraga's mayor stating that getting the community to accept the changes would be "hellacious." The changes could potentially impact the aesthetic appeal of yards in the area [1].
For homeowners who wish to stay updated on this and other developing safety stories in the area, joining the 925 News newsletter is recommended. The comprehensive newsletter is built with Kit and is available in the "News" section of 925 News. The news articles can also be shared on Facebook, Pinterest, and Nextdoor [1].
The ongoing urban firestorm in Orinda and Moraga underscores the need for such measures. The new ordinance, if passed, would apply to homeowners in Orinda and Moraga. There are also related news articles about Lamorinda, St. Mary's College, and prescribed burns available on the 925 News website.
[1] Source: 925 News [2] Source: Moraga-Orinda Fire Protection District [3] Source: East Bay Times
- Homeowners in Orinda and Moraga may be required to adapt their home-and-garden landscaping by using fire-resistant plants and creating an ember-free zone around their homes to mitigate wildfire risks, as part of the proposed aggressive fire prevention ordinance.
- As the cities of Orinda and Moraga consider enforcing stricter fire safety regulations, homeowners might need to reconsider their lifestyle choices, such as the use of flammable materials in home improvement projects, to comply with the new ordinance aimed at creating a more fire-resistant living environment.
